The Toronto Blue Jays have added one of their best hitters to the roster for the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Shortstop Bo Bichette, who hasn’t played since Sept. 6 due to a left knee sprain, was on the team’s 26-man list for the best-of-seven series.
The roster was released Friday morning ahead of Game 1 in the evening at Rogers Centre.
Bichette made strides 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 dropped reliever Yariel Rodriguez and outfielder Joey Loperfido.
Bichette took grounders at second base during the team’s workout on Thursday. Andres Gimenez, who normally plays second base, moved over to shortstop while Bichette was out.
General manager Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider were scheduled to hold media availabilities later in the day.
It remains unclear what role Bichette might play against the Dodgers. Given that his lateral movement has not been tested in a game setting, it’s likely he will serve as a designated hitter or a pinch-hit option.
“I’m comfortable with whatever the team needs me to do,” Bichette said Thursday during a media day availability. “So I’ll be ready for whatever.”
Bichette was in obvious discomfort when he tried running the bases before the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. He looked much more comfortable on Thursday, although he wasn’t running at a full sprint.
Bichette, who led the team with 181 hits in the regular season, also seemed comfortable as he pivoted while taking grounders. 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 mix they used in their seven-game ALCS win over the Mariners.
Bichette, a two-time American League hits leader, finished second to New York’s Aaron Judge with a .311 batting average this past season.
“This team doesn’t need me to come in and be a hero,” Bichette said Thursday. “It 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 whatever role that looks like.”
Bichette is in the final year of his contract with the Blue Jays. He will be eligible for free agency in the off-season.
