News and Notes: Bichette remains day-to-day, Berríos’ check-up reveals no structural damage, Yesavage expected to make ALDS roster

It’s back to work following a well-deserved division-clinching celebration in the aftermath of Game 162.

As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare for Saturday’s Game 1 of the ALDS, general manager Ross Atkins spoke to reporters at Rogers Centre ahead of Wednesday’s intrasquad game, providing injury updates on several players — including Bo Bichette, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt and Ty France.

While Atkins kept the club’s pitching plans close to the vest, he also gave a bit of clarity regarding Trey Yesavage’s post-season fate.

Bo Bichette Remains Day-to-Day, Doing Everything Possible to Be Ready For ALDS

It remains to be seen if Bichette will be available for the Blue Jays when they host either the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees this weekend. He continues to participate in light baseball activities, including hitting drills as well as catching and throwing, but hasn’t resumed running yet.

Atkins said Bichette has progressed with each passing day and is doing everything possible to be ready for Game 1 of the ALDS. But until he starts running, charting a timeline for his return will be extremely difficult.

Toronto will continue monitoring his status over the next few days and hopes to have a definitive answer by Friday.

José Berríos Unavailable For ALDS, Could Return Later in Post-Season

Don’t expect to see Berríos pitching for the Blue Jays in the ALDS.

The good news is that the right-hander’s recent visit with Dr. Keith Meister confirmed that his right elbow remains intact and hasn’t suffered any structural damage, per Atkins. However, he’s yet to resume throwing and won’t be available anytime soon.

But there’s a chance that Berríos could become an option should Toronto advance deeper into October.

Chris Bassitt Progressing Well, Should Be Available For ALDS

Atkins does anticipate Bassitt, who’s first-eligible to return from the 15-day IL on Saturday, being available in the ALDS, likely starting Game 3 or 4 (if necessary).

The veteran right-hander is recovering well from his back inflammation and is scheduled to pitch during Thursday’s intrasquad game, according to manager John Schneider.

Club Monitoring Ty France’s Status This Week

Whether or not France is available for the ALDS will depend on how he progresses this week, per Atkins. He’ll test his oblique injury this week during the club’s scrimmage contests, determining his pain threshold while facing live pitching.

If healthy, France could be an option off the bench if the Blue Jays decide to carry his bat either against the Red Sox or Yankees.

Trey Yesavage Expected to Make ALDS Roster

Atkins didn’t officially say it, but he quietly confirmed that Yesavage will appear on the organization’s ALDS roster when it’s submitted by 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, as most anticipated.

Following the 22-year-old’s remarkable late-season audition, which included three major league starts, capped by five scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays in his most recent outing, he certainly earned a post-season roster spot. All that remains to be determined is whether he’ll be used as a starter or a reliever.

The Blue Jays are still working through their pitching plans, preparing to make a few potential opponent-related adjustments if needed. As things currently stand, though, it’d be tough to envision a scenario where Yesavage doesn’t remain in the starting rotation.