Broadcaster Raises Doubt About Bo Bichette's Return to Blue Jays

Highlights:

• Buck Martinez says Bichette has not been cleared for running and may not return this postseason
  
• Bichette hit .311 with 18 HR before his September knee injury in his walk year
  
• Toronto is 15–8 without Bichette, but his bat is still missed
  
  

The Toronto Blue Jays opened their ALDS clash with the New York Yankees in emphatic fashion, but Saturday morning brought a dose of reality from one of Toronto’s most trusted voices.

Asked on MLB Network Radio if Bo Bichette might return this postseason, longtime broadcaster Buck Martinez didn’t hedge. “I don’t think Bo,” he said.

Martinez said that because Bichette hasn't begun running yet, he can't see him ready for a potential American League Championship Series, should the Blue Jays advance.

That short but telling answer casts doubt on Bichette’s status not just for this round but possibly for the rest of October. The shortstop has been sidelined since Sept. 6 with a left knee sprain and was left off Toronto’s Division Series roster.

Bichette’s Walk-Year Numbers

Before the injury, Bichette was enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. In 139 games, he slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 44 doubles, and 181 hits. It was the kind of consistent production that made him a centerpiece in Toronto’s lineup and one of the most attractive names in what will be a loaded free-agent market this winter.

Instead, his absence has left the Blue Jays reshuffling. Andrés Giménez and others have carried the defensive load at shortstop, and the offense has leaned on its depth to stay afloat.

Life Without Bo

Since Bichette went down, Toronto has managed a respectable 15–8 record. The club has held together, but the lineup has missed its most reliable contact bat.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s home run in Game 1 of the ALDS was a reminder of what the Jays still have, but also what they’re missing.

The blast was Guerrero’s first since Sept. 5, the day before Bichette’s injury. In many ways, it symbolized how long Toronto’s offense has been waiting for a jolt.