Prior to Toronto’s 5-2 win in ALDS Game 4 on Wednesday, Blue Jays’ shortstop Bo Bichette told reporters he’s hopeful his left knee will heal in time for him to return for the ALCS, beginning Sunday. “I’ve made a lot of progress recently, so I’m optimistic about my chances,” he said. While that’s kind of relieving, the latest update on his return is a bit concerning for the Blue Jays.

Bichette’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. Before his left knee sprain, the shortstop had been in the midst of a hot stretch, as over his last 32 regular-season games, he recorded a .383 batting average, a .444 on-base percentage, a 1.038 OPS, five home runs, and 27 RBIs.

Recently on Foul Territory, Mike Wilner shared the odds of Bo Bichette playing shortstop in the ALCS. “We’re definitely not going to see Bo Bichette playing shortstop, but I think we may see Bo Bichette as a DH in the ALCS. He spoke after the game last night in New York, and he said that he’s made some huge strides in the past few days.”

Bo Bichette still has to be able to run the bases, and he’s got three days to get better. Further, Wilner added, “These injuries are like four- to six-week injuries usually, but to have him out there playing shortstop, there is zero chance of that happening before the World Series if they get there.” If Bo Bichette returns as DH, then it might mean Anthony Santander loses his roster spot.

After Bo Bichette did his short jogs on the field on Wednesday, he appeared to walk hesitantly off the field with the Blue Jays training staff.

Manager John Schneider may have downplayed that, as he didn’t really sound concerned with anything he’s seen from Bichette moving around the clubhouse and field as of late. “That’s kind of how Bo rolls on and off the field.” It was pretty usual for Schneider.

According to him, “He’d have to play pretty regularly,” Schneider said on Wednesday.

Well, for now, Bichette will be trying everything he can to get back in the lineup and help his team advance to the World Series.

Blue Jays to make a tough decision involving Bo Bichette and Anthony Santander

The Toronto Blue Jays notched game 4 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees on Wednesday. For the first time in nearly a decade, they advanced to the ALCS. The Blue Jays’ offense erupted for 34 total runs in the recent series despite missing out on All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette.

Now, although it’s unlikely for him to return as a shortstop, the 27-year-old is doing all he can to make it to the ALCS roster. That leaves the Blue Jays to make difficult decisions on who to leave off to make room for the star shortstop.

Unfortunately, Anthony Santander could be the odd man out. It’s important to limit Bo Bichette’s defensive workload, and as DH, his value will be primarily at the plate. His move to DH could push George Springer back into the outfield. Then, the Blue Jays will have no option but to choose an outfield bat to remove from the roster.

Myles Straw is also an option. However, his prowess and defense make him a crucial piece, as it’s something Santander does not really offer.

Well, Santander has had a below-average first season with the Blue Jays since signing a five-year, $92.5 million deal in the offseason. He spent most of the time on the injured list, and whenever healthy, he struggled to produce. Santander’s roster spot could be influenced by whether the Blue Jays go for upside at the plate or reliability in the field.