The Toronto Blue Jays have included one of their top batters in the lineup for the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bo Bichette, the shortstop who had been sidelined since September 6 due to a left knee injury, has been named in the team’s 26-man roster for the seven-game series. The Blue Jays revealed that Bichette will be playing at second base and batting fourth as they prepared for Game 1 at Rogers Centre on Friday night.
In addition to Bichette, outfielders Myles Straw and Davis Schneider were given starting roles, with Nathan Lukes, Addison Barger, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa as options on the bench. Bichette showed progress in his recovery by participating in base running, defensive drills, and batting practice leading up to the series.
The Blue Jays also brought on infielder Ty France to the roster while removing Yariel Rodriguez and Joey Loperfido. During a team workout, Bichette practiced at second base, with Andres Gimenez filling in at shortstop. Bichette expressed his readiness to fulfill any role required by the team during media interactions.
As the Blue Jays geared up for the Fall Classic, they opted for a roster composition of 14 position players and 12 pitchers, deviating from the 13-13 split used in the previous series. Bichette, known for his hitting prowess, finished the regular season with 181 hits and a .311 batting average, placing second in the league behind Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.
Looking ahead, Bichette acknowledged his contract status with the Blue Jays, noting that he will enter free agency after the season. On the Dodgers’ side, they made roster adjustments by adding Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein while excluding Alex Vesia and Ben Casparius. Veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young award winner, who missed previous playoff rounds, is set to feature in the World Series roster. Kershaw has hinted at retirement following the conclusion of this season.