Β πππππ ππππππ πππππππ: πππππππ ππππ ππππβ ππ ππππππππ ππππ πππ ππ ππππππππ ππππππ, πππππ-ππππ ππ ππππ πΒ
In a surprising move that caught both fans and analysts off guard, Toronto Blue Jays star shortstop Bo Bichette was left out of the starting lineup for Game 2 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bichette, a cornerstone of Torontoβs offense and one of the teamβs emotional leaders, did not take the field until late in the game, when he appeared as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.
Manager John Schneider cited βstrategic adjustments and minor physical concernsβ as the reason for Bichetteβs absence from the starting nine. βBoβs an incredible competitor,β Schneider said postgame. βWe wanted to give him a little extra rest and have him available for a big moment off the bench.β
That big moment came when Bichette stepped up to the plate with runners on base and delivered a hard-hit single, energizing the Blue Jaysβ dugout and the crowd at Rogers Centre. Though Toronto ultimately fell short in Game 2, Bichetteβs brief appearance drew roaring applause from fans who have followed his rise since his debut in 2019.
Speculation immediately swirled about the nature of Bichetteβs βminor issue,β with some insiders suggesting heβs been managing soreness in his right knee since the ALCS. The team, however, has not confirmed any injury.
Despite the temporary benching, Bichette remains optimistic. βIβm good to go,β he told reporters afterward. βThis is the World Series β Iβll be ready whenever they need me.β
As the series heads into Game 3, all eyes will be on Bichette and whether he returns to his usual spot at shortstop. For Blue Jays fans, one thing is clear β their star isnβt done shining yet. πβΎ