UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays have officially left Bo Bichette off their roster for the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, a stunning blow as they gear up for Game 1 on September 30, 2025.
Bichette, a pivotal player in the Blue Jays’ lineup that propelled them to 94 wins and the AL East title, has been sidelined with a knee sprain since a September 6 incident at Yankee Stadium. Despite hopes for his return, team officials confirmed his absence today.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider revealed that Bichette must clear running tests and hit against velocity to be eligible. “For him to be on, he’d have to play pretty regularly,” Schneider stated. “We don’t want to deviate too much from what we’ve been doing. It’s not about saving him for a Kirk Gibson at-bat once a game.”
In addition to Bichette, veteran pitchers Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer will also not feature in the postseason lineup. Bassitt is recovering from back inflammation, having last pitched on September 18, while Scherzer’s exclusion is seen as a tactical decision after a challenging season, with a 5.19 ERA.
The Blue Jays will rely on a mix of pitchers, including Kevin Gausman, who is set to start Game 1, followed by Shane Bieber in Game 2 and rookie Trey Yesavage in Game 3. Left-hander Eric Lauer, who posted a 3.18 ERA this season, could also start or provide relief in a potential Game 4.
This roster decision comes as the Blue Jays prepare to face a formidable Yankees team, which made only one adjustment: Luis Gil has been added to the roster for Game 1, while Mark Leiter Jr. has been removed.
The absence of Bichette is a significant setback for Toronto, as they aim to make a deep playoff run. The team’s adaptability will be tested as they navigate this critical series without one of their star players.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Blue Jays will adjust their strategy and whether they can overcome this challenge against the Yankees. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on as the postseason unfolds.
