Toronto Blue Jays are closely monitoring the recovery of their star shortstop, Bo Bichette, as his availability for Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) on Saturday remains uncertain. General manager Ross Atkins stated on Wednesday that the team is keeping a daily check on Bichette’s progress as he continues to heal from a left knee sprain he suffered last month.
“At every passing day, he’s showing improvement…he’s putting in every effort to get back on the field as soon as possible,” Atkins mentioned. “There’s no fixed timeline; it’s a day-by-day situation, and our team is fully engaged in that.”
Bichette has been out of action since September 6, when he injured his knee while running against the New York Yankees. Following the injury, the 27-year-old was placed on the injured list, missing the final games of the regular season as the Blue Jays secured their first AL East title since 2015.
Though Bichette expressed optimism about his recovery after the title-sealing win, his participation in Saturday’s opener at Rogers Centre remains uncertain. In case he doesn’t get clearance in time, his return might be possible for the American League Championship Series (ALCS) if Toronto advances. Should Bichette be unable to play in the ALDS, the team is likely to rely on Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who could be added to the playoff roster to reinforce the shortstop position.
Throughout the 2025 regular season, Bichette stood out as one of the Blue Jays’ most reliable hitters. In 139 games, he achieved a .311 batting average, an OPS+ of 129, and amassed 63 extra-base hits, including 18 home runs and 94 RBIs. The Blue Jays are set to kick off the ALDS at home on October 4, facing the winner of the Yankees–Red Sox Wild Card Series.