Toronto Blue Jays' Star Ruled Out For Monday Night's Series Opener

As he deals with a neck issue, Toronto Blue Jays' star Bo Bichette is out for Monday's game against the Houston Astros.

Mar 30, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) fields a / Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Blue Jays' star Bo Bichette is out of the lineup again on Monday as he deals with an early-season neck issue. The Blue Jays, fresh off splitting their opening series with the Tampa Bay Rays, are traveling to Houston for Game 1 of a series against the Astros. It continues a big early-season test for the Blue Jays, who get back-to-back playoff teams from a year ago right at the outset.

In his place, the team is starting Ernie Clement at shortstop and Cavan Biggio at second base. Newcomer Isiah Kiner-Falefa gets the start at third base.

Hello, Houston 👋 #TOTHECORE pic.twitter.com/Jy1pZKzECm

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 1, 2024

While it's frustrating to see Bichette out of the lineup this early in the season, it's understandable that the Jays want to be careful with him. One of the most impactful players in the American League, Bichette is already a two-time All-Star at the age of 26. He pairs with Vlad Guerrero Jr. to make one of the best lineup combinations in the AL.

A lifetime .299 hitter, Bichette led the American League in hits during both the 2021 and 2022 season. He's hit 20 homers or more in each of the last three seasons as well.

Bichette isn't the only player dealing with an injury involved in this matchup. Houston Astros' star Jose Abreu is dealing with an injury, but he is in the lineup.

The pitching matchup for this game is Bowden Francis (TOR) against JP France (HOU). The Astros come in at a surprising 0-4 after being swept by the Yankees.

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