The Toronto Blue Jays have completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent postseason history. After trailing the American League Championship Series three games to two, Toronto stormed back with consecutive home wins over the Seattle Mariners to clinch its first World Series appearance since 1993.
While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. earned ALCS MVP honors, it was George Springer who delivered the decisive blow in Game 7. Springer’s three-run home run gave the Blue Jays the lead for good in a 4-3 victory. Closer Jeff Hoffman finished the job in the ninth inning, dousing the Mariners’ hopes of a World Series berth.
Amid the clubhouse celebrations, shortstop Bo Bichette told reporters that he expects to be ready for the World Series, which begins Friday in Toronto. Bichette has been sidelined for much of the postseason with a hamstring injury.
However, not everyone thinks his return should be automatic. Former MLB catcher and current broadcaster A.J. Pierzynski said on his podcast that Toronto should consider sticking with the lineup that got them this far.
“As much as I think Bo’s an awesome player,” Pierzynski said, “right now, I think you just say, look, man, I’m sorry, we’re rolling with what we got.”
While benching Bichette would be a bold move, it’s difficult to imagine Toronto leaving one of its franchise stars out of the starting lineup if he’s fully healthy—especially against the Los Angeles Dodgers’ elite pitching staff.
If Bichette can play the field, he would return to shortstop and shift Andres Giménez back to second base, sending Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the bench. If his mobility remains limited, manager John Schneider may have to keep him sidelined, with Springer holding steady as designated hitter.
Either way, Schneider will have a tough decision to make before Game 1 on Friday.
