Bo Bichette is preparing for a potential return in the World Series, but his exact role remains uncertain. On Wednesday, two days before Game 1 against the Dodgers, Bichette was taking ground balls at second base at Rogers Centre.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday that Bichette could see time at shortstop, second base, or as designated hitter: “We’re kind of coming right down to the wire with it. I could see all three of those things happening. We just have to talk to him after the workout today, see how comfortable he felt doing everything, and make the best decision.”
The 27-year-old star hasn’t played since Sept. 6 due to a left knee sprain and missed both of Toronto’s first two playoff series. While Bichette confirmed after the team clinched the AL pennant that he’d be ready for the World Series, the Blue Jays haven’t officially confirmed his roster spot.
Bichette has never played second base in seven major league seasons, though he appeared in 30 minor league games at the position, most recently in 2019 with Triple-A Buffalo. Schneider acknowledged the challenge: “It’s a little bit of a leap. He’s pretty realistic about how he feels and how he will feel if he’s out there. So it’s something we got to continue to work through. If he feels comfortable, I’m going to listen to players and trust them.”
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During Bichette’s absence, Andrés Giménez has handled shortstop duties, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ernie Clement have covered second base. The former Blue Jays All-Star, who hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 139 games this season, also took batting practice and ran the bases Wednesday as he continues to prep for a potential World Series debut.
