As the Toronto Blue Jays’ season nears its conclusion, the roster changes are still in full swing. Over the past two days, the club has made several moves, the most notable being the activation of shortstop Bo Bichette from the injured list prior to Tuesday’s 13-8 loss to the Texas Rangers. Bichette made an immediate impact, going 2-for-5 in his return.
Bichette had been sidelined since July 20 due to a right calf strain, marking the second time this season he landed on the IL with the same injury. In total, the 26-year-old missed 61 games.
In addition to his time off the field, Bichette has faced uncharacteristic struggles when healthy, hitting just .222 with a .595 OPS before his return. Despite the challenges and limited time left in the season, Bichette expressed gratitude for being back with his team, stating he was “grateful” to be playing the game he loves with 12 games left in the regular season.
Reunited and it feels so good 🥹 pic.twitter.com/wz9gpNgvXN
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 18, 2024
Blue Jays Welcome Back Bichette, Make Roster Moves as Season Winds Down
The Toronto Blue Jays announced a series of roster moves on Tuesday, highlighted by the return of star shortstop Bo Bichette. Bichette, who has been sidelined with a right calf strain for over two months, rejoins the team as they push through the final weeks of the 2024 season. In addition, the team placed outfielder Daulton Varsho on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain and infielder Will Wagner on the 60-day IL due to left knee inflammation.
Earlier in the week, the Blue Jays made another notable move by claiming catcher Tyler Heineman off waivers from the Boston Red Sox and designating catcher Brian Serven for assignment.
Bo Bichette’s Return and Final Two Weeks
While Bichette’s return won’t drastically change the narrative of his injury-riddled 2024 season, the last two weeks could be significant for him personally. The star shortstop has endured a frustrating season, missing a large chunk of games due to calf, knee, and quad injuries. Bichette expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be back on the field, telling reporters, “I feel grateful to have the opportunity to get back out here and play the game that I love.”
While he may not salvage his overall season statistics, Bichette’s primary focus will be on proving that he’s fully healthy as he prepares for an important offseason. Manager John Schneider commented that Bichette’s return was crucial for his peace of mind, adding, “He probably would have had the longest offseason ever if he didn’t get back playing.”
Looking ahead, Bichette’s focus is on building momentum for 2025, a pivotal year for both him and the Blue Jays. Next season marks Bichette’s final year of team control before he’s set to become a free agent, a scenario that looms over the franchise’s future. There’s been ongoing speculation about whether Toronto will seek to sign him to an extension or explore a potential trade.
Varsho and Wagner Shut Down for the Season
While Bichette’s return is a positive development, the Blue Jays also received news that Varsho and Wagner’s seasons are over. Varsho, who has been a defensive standout in center field, will undergo surgery on his right shoulder to repair a rotator cuff injury. His recovery may extend into next year’s spring training, but the hope is that he’ll be ready for the 2025 season opener.
Wagner, meanwhile, will also need further medical evaluation after being placed on the 60-day IL with left knee inflammation. Despite his strong start in 2024, hitting .305 with a solid on-base percentage, Wagner’s injury ends his season early.
The team’s decision to shut both players down is largely precautionary, ensuring that they can begin the recovery process as soon as possible and be ready for the start of the next season.
Catcher Carousel: Heineman in, Serven Out
In a somewhat unexpected move, the Blue Jays claimed catcher Tyler Heineman off waivers, marking his third stint with the club. To make room on the roster, the team designated Brian Serven for assignment. Serven, while not known for his offensive production, had developed a strong rapport with pitcher Bowden Francis, who has been on an impressive run as a starter.
The decision to part ways with Serven raised a few eyebrows, as some believed the Francis-Serven duo could have helped finish the season strong. However, the Blue Jays appear to value Heineman’s depth and defensive versatility as they look ahead to potential roster decisions for 2025.
Final Stretch and Playoff Hopes
The Blue Jays are preparing for the last stretch of the season with hopes of finishing on a high note. After a six-game road trip, Toronto will face the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies in their final series, with much of the focus being on the health and performance of their key players. Bichette’s return, while not game-changing in the short term, could have long-term implications as the team eyes a return to form next year.
The Blue Jays will continue to monitor the health of Varsho and Wagner, hoping both will be fully recovered for next season. Meanwhile, Bichette’s performance in the final games of the 2024 season could help provide the momentum needed for a bounce-back season in 2025—one that will be critical for both him and the Blue Jays as they chart their future.
(Photo of Bichette in his return: Sam Hodde / Getty Images)
