Bichette is making “significant progress” behind the scenes as he continues to recover from a knee injury, manager John Schneider told Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith ahead of Game 7 on Monday.
The shortstop is apparently doing light running and progressing with his hitting as he eyes a return in case the Blue Jays advance to the Fall Classic.
“Progress is just kind of just where he feels with his swing and how much more comfortable he feels kind of letting it rip,” said Schneider to reporters before the winner-take-all Game 7 on Monday.
“I think the base running and the defence is something hopefully we can advance and we can check those boxes in the next few days. He’s done some light stuff but hasn’t been like full go at short and not back on the bases yet. But the running has picked up in the outfield, just in terms of the intensity and the build-up — the length of it to be perfectly honest.”
Bichette was left off the Blue Jays’ ALCS roster as he recovers from a knee sprain suffered Sept. 6 against the New York Yankees. Following the ALDS, Bichette hit live pitching and ran the bases for the first time since, but still appeared to be in pain.
“We’ll see how he goes over the next couple days,” Schneider added. “Hopefully we can stick around long enough and he can get back to us.”
The 27-year-old was enjoying a bounce back season before missing most of the final month. Bichette slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs and led MLB with 181 hits at the time of his injury. He still finished tied for second in hits and second in doubles (44) despite missing the final 20 games of the year.
Schneider also provided an update on righty Jose Berrios, who has been sidelined since Sept. 24 with an elbow injury.
According to the manager, Berrios has resumed throwing but he won’t make a return for the World Series, should the Blue Jays advance — meaning that his 2025 season has come to an end.
The Blue Jays placed Berrios on the injured list on Sept. 25 with right elbow inflammation. The move came days after the longtime starter was moved to the bullpen as the Blue Jays worked to align their pitching plans for the playoffs.
Berrios, 31, had a 4.17 ERA this season over 30 starts and one relief appearance.
The Blue Jays aim to qualify for the Fall Classic in a do-or-die ALCS Game 7 against the Seattle Mariners on Monday night. Catch the action on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, with first pitch at 8:08 p.m. ET / 5:08 p.m. PT.
