The Blue Jays are gearing up to face the Mariners in the ALCS, but their lineup announcement is still pending. Yes, the Mariners are indeed coming off that grueling 15-inning Game 5 win over the Tigers in the ALDS, so fatigue might be a factor for them. Still, things aren’t totally smooth for Toronto either, as they’re missing key players like Bo Bichette.

His left knee injury has become one of the biggest storylines heading into the series. But good news might be around the corner. Manager John Schneider hinted that fans might have reason to stay optimistic about Bichette’s status. “Bo Bichette hit live pitching yesterday & is running the bases today for the first time. That’ll help determine whether he’s good to go for the ALCS roster. Decision due tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. ET.” Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith quoted Schneider.

So, as per Schneider, Bichette took a major step forward on Friday by facing live pitching that keeps his ALCS hopes alive. And they have until Sunday to make their final call, and how Bichette’s knee responds to Saturday’s workout will likely decide it.”I’ve made a lot of progress recently, so I’m optimistic about my chances,” Bichette shared, sounding confident but cautious.

However, it should be noted that there’s a big difference between Bichette will be back and is back. His bat alone could change the entire complexion of Toronto’s lineup, and pairing him with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the heart of the order remains their best path to a World Series run… Why not when Bichette was hitting .310 with 177 hits and 42 doubles this year? Notably, he was hitting .426 in his last 17 games before the injury.

But when it comes to his defense, that’s an altogether different story. With a .971 fielding percentage and a -0.5 defensive wins above replacement rating, the Blue Jays should be wary about placing him at shortstop if Bichette returns.

Hence, the truth is, the Blue Jays need Bichette, but in which form, that’s onto Schneider. If not, then it would be a rather complicated story for the Jays.

The Blue Jays’ offense should have a show

Reportedly, over their last 10 games, the Blue Jays have been on fire at the plate. They’re hitting .276 with a .513 slugging percentage, proving just how dangerous their lineup has become. For example, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been hitting an incredible .529 with 3 HRs and 9 RBIs this postseason. Even more impressive, the Jays struck out just 15% of the time in the Division Series. That’s the lowest rate of any team and well below the 23% league average.

So, simply put, this offense is built differently right now.

Now, heading into the ALCS, the Jays could have an even bigger edge thanks to the Mariners’ worn-out pitching staff. After grinding through a 15-inning Game 5 win over the Tigers in the ALDS, Seattle’s rotation is running on fumes. For instance, Luis Castillo, who started Game 2, even had to pitch again in Game 5, throwing 15 pitches over 1⅓ innings. So, availability for the Mariners’ starters has been a concern.

That likely means someone like Bryce Miller, who posted a 5.68 ERA in the regular season, could get the ball against the Jays. On paper, that matchup looks like a golden opportunity for Toronto’s bats. Still, it’s baseball, and if there’s one thing the game loves, it’s throwing a surprise when you least expect it.