Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays works out in the infield during World Series Workout Day ahead of Game 1 at Rogers Centre.Cole Burston/Getty Images
Bo Bichette is on the Toronto Blue Jays World Series roster, setting the stage for the star shortstop’s possible return to the field after a lengthy injury layoff.
Bichette is part of the team’s 26-man roster for the series, which was due by 10 a.m. Friday ahead of Game 1 at Rogers Centre against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He has been sidelined more than six weeks with a sprained left knee and was not part of the Jays’ rosters for the American League Division and Championship Series. He’s been working to get healthy all along and has been in the dugout with the team.
Bichette injured his knee colliding with New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells in a September regular-season game in the Bronx.
It’s unclear how the Jays intend to utilize Bichette. Jays manager John Schneider has been vague about what role he could play, especially since shortstop is a physically demanding spot and Andres Gimenez has been so solid at the position during Bichette’s absence.
Asked Thursday if Bichette might be used at second base, shortstop or as a designated hitter, the manager said he was considering all of those options. It’s likely Schneider wants to keep the Dodgers guessing until the lineups are due later this afternoon.
During the team’s practice on Thursday, Bichette worked largely at second, which he has not played in a game since the minor leagues.
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“I’m comfortable with whatever the team needs me to do, so I’ll be ready,” Bichette told reporters at Thursday’s media day. “This team doesn’t need me to be a hero.”
The roster has seven infielders, five outfielders, 12 pitchers and two catchers.
First baseman Ty France has also been added, while pitchers Yariel Rodriguez and outfielder Joey Loperfido – both part of the ALCS roster – have come off.