Two days after returning from a lengthy stint on the 10-day injured list, shortstop Bo Bichette is back on it, which is more bad news for the Toronto Blue Jays in an already terrible season.
With a fractured right middle finger, the Blue Jays confirmed on Thursday that Bichette had been placed on the injured list. Prior to Wednesday’s game, Bichette was a last-minute scratch, therefore the move is effective back to September 18.
News of the finger injury is a tough blow to Bichette and the club, especially considering that on Tuesday the shortstop returned from a right calf strain that had him sidelined since July 20.
Injuries and underperformance have made this a trying and disappointing season for the 26-year-old shortstop, who hit .225 with a .598 OPS and four home runs in 81 games. It was a performance that was a noticeable departure from the mark he set in previous seasons, including in 2021 and 2022 when he led the American League in hits.
Despite the fact that Bichette only had a short amount of time left on the MLB schedule, there was hope earlier this week that he could finish the season strong. Although he would not be able to raise his numbers enough to avoid having a career-worst season, he could have used the final two weeks of play to play without limitations and enter the offseason fully healthy. Unfortunately, this most recent fluke injury guarantees that Bichette will not get that chance. Bichette has now been placed on the injured list three times this season— twice due to a right calf strain—and this most recent one will end his 2024 campaign.
The Blue Jays have recalled rookie outfielder Jonatan Clase in response to Bichette’s injury. Prior to the trade deadline, Toronto acquired the 22-year-old in the Yimi García trade from the Seattle Mariners. Clase, who is rated as the team’s sixth prospect by MLB Pipeline, hit.244/.288/.363 with two home runs in 35 games with Triple-A Buffalo.
(Photo: Cole Burston / Getty Images)
