The Toronto Blue Jays have added one of their best hitters to the roster heading into the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Shortstop Bo Bichette, who hasn’t played since Sept. 6 due to a sprained left knee, was on the team’s 26-man roster for the best-of-seven series.
The roster was released Friday morning before Game 1 night at Rogers Centre.
Bichette made progress in recent days by running the bases and participating in defensive drills while continuing his hitting work in the batting cage.
The Blue Jays also added infielder Ty France and released reliever Yariel Rodríguez and outfielder Joey Loperfido.
Bichette took ground balls at second base during the team’s workout Thursday. Andrés Giménez, who normally plays second base, moved to shortstop while Bichette was out.
General manager Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider were scheduled to have media availability later in the day.
It’s still unclear what role Bichette could play against the Dodgers. Since his lateral movement has not been tested in a game environment, it is likely that he will serve as a designated hitter or pinch-hit option.
“I’m comfortable with whatever the team needs me to do,” Bichette said Thursday during a media availability day. “So I’ll be ready for anything.”
Bichette was clearly uncomfortable when he attempted to run the bases before the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. On Thursday he seemed much more comfortable, although he was not running at full speed.
Bichette, who led the team with 181 hits in the regular season, also looked comfortable while spinning while taking ground balls. His swing looked smooth in the batting cage.
The Blue Jays selected 14 position players and 12 pitchers for the Fall Classic instead of the 13-13 combination they used in their seven-game American League Championship Series victory over the Mariners.
Bichette, a two-time American League hits leader, finished second to New York’s Aaron Judge with a .311 batting average last season.
“This team doesn’t need me to come in and be a hero,” Bichette said Thursday. “He needs me to come in and do the job to the best of my ability and help the team win.
“So that’s my mindset in any role that comes along.”
Bichette is in the final year of his contract with the Blue Jays. He will be eligible for free agency in the offseason.
