Introduction to the Game
The Blue Jays’ infielder Bo Bichette was held out of the starting lineup in the World Series Game 2 on Saturday night, after returning from a knee injury the previous day.
Background on Bichette’s Injury
Bichette had suffered a knee injury in a collision with New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells on September 6. He made his return to the lineup in Friday’s Game 1, where he went 1 for 2 with a walk.
Game 2 Performance
In Game 2, Bichette grounded out as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning. He remained in the game at second base after grounding out on the second pitch he saw from Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, replacing Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Previous Game Performance
A two-time All-Star shortstop and two-time AL hits leader, Bichette had played a significant role in the Blue Jays’ 11-4 Game 1 win. He had also shown his defensive skills, saving a run when he ranged to the shortstop side of second to glove Teoscar Hernández’s third-inning grounder and throw him out at first.
Manager’s Decision
Before the game, Blue Jays manager John Schneider explained that he didn’t want to push Bichette too hard, saying "Just kind of gauging how he’s feeling. He’ll be ready to play today, for sure. This is stuff we talked about, even leading up to the decision to put him on the roster. I thought he was good yesterday and just want to watch him physically, but he’ll be ready to hit and play whenever.”
Lineup Changes
Alejandro Kirk took over for Bichette in the cleanup spot in Game 2, after hitting a two-run homer during a nine-run sixth inning Friday.
Bichette’s Season Performance
Bichette finished second in the major leagues to Yankees slugger Aaron Judge with a .311 batting average this season, hitting 18 homers with 94 RBIs in 139 games. The 27-year-old is eligible for free agency following the World Series.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bo Bichette’s return to the lineup in Game 1 was a significant factor in the Blue Jays’ win, and his pinch-hitting appearance in Game 2 showed that he is still a valuable player for the team. Despite being held out of the starting lineup, Bichette remains a key player in the World Series.
FAQs
Q: Why was Bo Bichette held out of the starting lineup in Game 2?
A: Bichette was held out of the starting lineup as a precautionary measure, after returning from a knee injury the previous day.
Q: How did Bichette perform in Game 1?
A: Bichette went 1 for 2 with a walk in Game 1, and also showed his defensive skills by saving a run.
Q: Who replaced Bichette in the cleanup spot in Game 2?
A: Alejandro Kirk took over for Bichette in the cleanup spot in Game 2.
