Blue Jays Leave Bichette, Scherzer and Bassitt Off ALDS Roster

The Toronto Blue Jays just locked in their 26-man roster for the American League Division Series against the powerhouse New York Yankees. With a few surprising omissions and some tough injury luck, the Jays will have to lean on their depth and creative matchups if they want to survive and advance.

Bo Bichette, Max Scherzer, and Chris Bassitt are all out. That means manager John Schneider has to rethink his game plan heading into this best-of-five matchup—no small task.

Bo Bichette’s Injury Leaves a Major Offensive Void

Bichette’s absence stings the most for Toronto. He’s the star shortstop, famous for his smooth swing and clutch moments, but he sprained his knee on September 6.

He hasn’t started running or hitting at full speed yet, so there’s just no way he’s making it back for this round.

Outlook for Bichette’s Potential Return

Schneider hasn’t closed the door on a comeback, though. If the Jays make it to the American League Championship Series, maybe Bichette returns—who knows?

He put up a .311 batting average and led the team with 94 RBIs. Still, Toronto went 15-8 after his injury, so they’ve managed to hang in there.

Pitching Staff Adjustments and Strategic Decisions

The pitching staff looks different too. Scherzer’s recent outings have been rough—he gave up 25 runs in his last 25 innings, which is honestly hard to watch.

Bassitt’s been fighting back inflammation and just isn’t at full strength.

Rotation Plans Against the Yankees

The Jays’ rotation will have a new look without those veterans. Here’s how they’ll line up:

• Game 1: Kevin Gausman, the clear ace
• Game 2: Rookie Trey Yesavage
• Game 3: Shane Bieber, a former Cy Young winner
• Game 4: Eric Lauer in a bulk-inning role

They’re loading the bullpen with lefties like Justin Bruihl, Brendon Little, and Mason Fluharty. The idea is to counter New York’s lineup, which leans pretty left-handed.

Infield Depth Tested Without Bichette

Replacing Bichette in the field is a headache of its own. Schneider will mix Andrés Giménez and Ernie Clement at shortstop, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa ready for spot starts or late defense.

All three are solid with the glove, but none bring Bichette’s bat to the table.

Other Notable Omissions

Besides Bichette, Scherzer, and Bassitt, the Jays are also missing Ty France and Joey Loperfido. Both contributed a lot earlier this year.

Starter José Berríos is hurt too, and it’s looking like he might not pitch again this postseason. That thins out the rotation even more.

Keys to Toronto’s ALDS Hopes

With no Bichette and no veteran arms like Scherzer or Bassitt, Toronto’s got to get creative. They’ve found ways to score and have gotten some surprise performances, but beating the Yankees will take almost flawless execution.

Three Factors That Could Swing the Series

• Dominance from Kevin Gausman: He needs to set the tone in Game 1. Shutting down the Yankees’ power hitters would make a huge difference.
• Impact of rookie Trey Yesavage: The rookie’s composure on a postseason stage gets tested right away. That’s a lot to ask, but sometimes these moments make legends.
• Lefty bullpen deployment: If they use their four left-handed relievers wisely, New York’s offense could get thrown off. It’s a chess match down there in the bullpen.

The Jays head into the ALDS as underdogs with plenty of question marks. If their depth steps up and the pitching plan works, Toronto just might surprise everyone.

 
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