It’s gone from bad to worse for Bo Bichette and the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays’ shortstop was diagnosed with a moderate calf strain and is expected to miss “multiple weeks,” manager John Schneider said following Saturday’s 7-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Bichette was placed on the 10-day injured list after he was forced to leave Friday’s game against the Tigers.
He lined out to right fielder Wenceel Perez in the sixth inning and came up favouring his calf as he ran down the first base line.
Schneider said after the game that Bichette would have an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.
The Blue Jays shortstop was making his return to the lineup after missing the four games before the All-Star Break due to a right calf injury. Bichette had previously spent time on the injured list in the first half due to a calf strain.
Bichette was 1-for-3 before being forced from the game.
It has been a trying season for Bichette, who improved his slash line Friday to .222/.275/.320 with four home runs.
Toronto Blue Jays’ shortstop Bo Bichette will be sidelined for “multiple weeks” due to a calf strain, the team announced on Monday. The 23-year-old infielder suffered the injury during Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Bichette has been a key player for the Blue Jays this season, batting .275 with 22 home runs and 72 RBIs in 97 games. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team as they continue their push for a playoff spot.
Calf strains can be tricky injuries to recover from, as they can easily be aggravated if not given enough time to heal. It’s important for Bichette to take the necessary time off to fully recover and avoid any further complications.
In the meantime, the Blue Jays will have to rely on their depth to fill the void left by Bichette’s absence. Infielders Santiago Espinal and Breyvic Valera are likely candidates to see increased playing time in Bichette’s absence.
Despite the setback, the Blue Jays remain in the thick of the playoff race in the highly competitive American League East division. With a talented roster and strong pitching staff, they will look to continue their winning ways even without their star shortstop in the lineup.
Fans will undoubtedly miss seeing Bichette’s electrifying play on the field, but they can take solace in knowing that he is taking the necessary steps to ensure a full recovery. In the meantime, they will have to rally behind their team as they look to secure a postseason berth without one of their key players.