The Toronto Blue Jays are set to kick off their post-season journey with a daytime game. Major League Baseball unveiled the schedule for the opening two matches of the American League Division Series. If the Boston Red Sox emerge victorious in the AL Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees, the Blue Jays will commence their playoff campaign on Saturday against the Red Sox at 1:08 p.m. ET. However, if the Yankees advance, Toronto will face them on Saturday at 4:08 p.m. The second game in both scenarios is scheduled for Sunday at 4:08 p.m.
As of now, the Red Sox lead 1-0 against the Yankees going into Game 2 of the best-of-three series on Wednesday night. The Blue Jays secured a spot in the Division Series by capturing the AL East title and clinching the top seed in the American League with a decisive 13-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on the final day of the regular season.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider was seen wearing a blue hoodie with the phrase “Built for Fall” emblazoned in white letters on Wednesday. He anticipates hearing by Friday whether Bo Bichette, the team’s injured shortstop, will be fit to participate in the ALDS. Bichette, a key player for the Blue Jays, was sidelined with a left knee sprain during the latter part of the regular season. Despite missing several games, he ranked high in hits and batting average in the league.
General manager Ross Atkins mentioned that Bichette was making strides in his recovery each day, but there was no definite timeline for his comeback. The Blue Jays planned to disclose their 26-man roster for the ALDS on Saturday morning, with uncertainties surrounding players like Chris Bassitt and Ty France due to injuries. While activities such as workouts and scrimmages with the Buffalo Bisons were set to keep the team engaged during the break, infielder Ernie Clement expressed that the extended rest period before Game 1 was beneficial for the players.
