Jays’ Bichette making progress in return from knee injury as World Series approaches

TORONTO — Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette made strides again Thursday as he aims to return to the roster after missing about seven weeks with a left knee sprain.

Bichette ran the bases at Rogers Centre as the team worked out ahead of its World Series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night. He also took some swings during batting practice and participated in fielding drills.

It’s possible Bichette could return to the infield — he took grounders at second base — and may serve as the designated hitter or as a pinch-hit option if he’s named to the 26-man roster on Friday morning for the best-of-seven series.

“I’m comfortable with whatever the team needs me to do,” Bichette said during a media day availability. “So I’ll be ready for whatever.”

Bichette was in obvious discomfort when he tried running the bases before the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. He has maintained regular training and workouts as he builds up ahead of what he hopes is his 2025 post-season debut.

He looked much better on the bases Thursday as he tested the leg by running from the batter’s box and making the turn at first base before stopping at second base. Bichette wasn’t in full sprint mode but ran at a decent pace.

Bichette, who led the team with 181 hits in the regular season, also looked comfortable as he pivoted while taking grounders. His swing looked smooth in the batting cage.

“We’re kind of coming right down to the wire with it,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said of the decision.

Second baseman Andres Gimenez has moved over to shortstop to fill in for Bichette. Infielders Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ernie Clement have spent time at second base.

It’s possible the Blue Jays may go with 14 position players and 12 pitchers instead of the 13-13 mix they used in their seven-game win over the Mariners.

“We’re talking about that,” Schneider said. “I think we’ll know more today and (see) how he responds to a little bit more activity and think about how we’re going to use our pitching staff, how we’re going to use our bullpen.

“So those are conversations we’re still having, whether it’s 13-13 or 14-12.”

The two-time American League hits leader finished second to New York’s Aaron Judge with a .311 batting average. While he’s been out, Bichette has still participated in meetings and offered insight at times to his teammates.

“This team doesn’t need me to come in and be a hero,” Bichette said. “It needs me to come in and do the job to the best of my ability and help the team win.

“So that’s my mindset in whatever role that looks like.”

Bichette is in the final year of his contract with the Blue Jays and will be eligible for free agency in the off-season.

“He’s one of (the) greatest hitters in MLB,” said teammate Nathan Lukes. “So when we can add that back into our lineup, I think it’s only going to propel us farther.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2025.