Bo Bichette, the talented shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, has found himself on the 10-day injured list due to a right calf strain. This comes at a time when trade rumors have been swirling around him, with potential suitors unable to see him in action for the foreseeable future.
The Blue Jays made the decision to place Bichette on the IL on Tuesday after he had not played since Friday. Along with this move, they also optioned pitcher Brandon Eisert to Triple-A Buffalo and brought in infielder Orelvis Martinez and pitcher Ryan Burr.
Bichette, who is under contract for just one more season after 2024, has been a key player for the Blue Jays. Despite his struggles this season, with a batting line of .237/.286/.342, he has been a consistent performer in the past, with two All-Star appearances and over 20 home runs in each of the last three years.
While there may have been thoughts of trading him to accelerate a potential rebuild, general manager Ross Atkins has made it clear that Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are not on the trading block. Atkins emphasized that their talent and leadership make them invaluable assets to the team.
As Bichette recovers from his injury, the Blue Jays will have to adjust their lineup without one of their key players. The hope is that he will return to form after some time off and help the team make a push in the playoff race.
In the meantime, fans will have to wait and see how the team copes with Bichette’s absence and whether they can overcome this setback to remain competitive in the challenging American League East division.