Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette throws out Oakland Athletics’ JJ Bleday at first base during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The Toronto Blue Jays had to make a late lineup change ahead of Thursday afternoon’s game against the Houston Astros as the team scratched star shortstop Bo Bichette from the lineup due to a right forearm bruise.
Incident Leading to Injury
The injury occurred during Wednesday’s game when Bichette was struck by a pitch in the ninth inning of the Blue Jays’ 9-2 loss to the Astros. Facing a 1-2 count against Astros right-hander Rafael Montero, Bichette couldn’t hold up on a sinker that veered inside, hitting him on the inside of his right forearm. The impact was severe enough to cause significant discomfort, prompting the team to make the decision to sit him out the following day.
Bo Bichette’s Challenging Season
This season has been particularly tough for Bichette, a two-time All-Star and two-time American League hit leader. Bichette returned from the injured list on June 24 after missing nine games due to a sore right calf, but he has struggled to find his form. Over 73 games, he is batting .229 with four home runs and 29 RBIs, numbers that are far below his usual standards. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .613 ranks second last among qualified AL batters, highlighting his struggles at the plate this season.
Adjustments in the Lineup
With Bo Bichette sidelined due to forearm bruise, the Blue Jays had to reshuffle their infield. The Blue Jays moved Leo Jimenez, recently called up and making his major league debut, from second base to shortstop to fill Bichette’s position. They placed Spencer Horwitz, another recent addition to the team, at second base and positioned him fifth in the batting order.
Manager’s Insights and Game Outlook
Blue Jays’ manager John Schneider informed the media that Bichette was experiencing discomfort in the area where a pitch struck him during Wednesday’s game. The pain manifested when the shortstop attempted to throw and hit during pregame activities.
The Blue Jays, currently looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat on Wednesday, are hoping that the lineup changes will bring a fresh dynamic to the team. The series against the Astros has been challenging, and the team is eager to split the series.
Upcoming Game Details
Fans can catch the action live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 1:07 p.m. ET / 10:07 a.m. PT. The Blue Jays are aiming for a strong performance to make up for the previous game’s loss, even without one of their key players on the field.
