Bo Bichette Planning to Rejoin Toronto Blue Jays' Lineup Saturday in Cincinnati

Shortstop Bo Bichette has been out with a knee injury since July 31, but he is on track to return to the Toronto Blue Jays against the Cincinnati Reds.

Bo Bichette expects to be back in the Toronto Blue Jays' lineup on Saturday, the star shortstop told reporters Thursday.

Bichette, who said he will fly out to Cincinnati to rejoin the team Friday, has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo since Tuesday. In two minor league games, Bichette went 4-for-5 with a home run and three RBI.

The Blue Jays placed Bichette on the 10-day injured list with right knee patellar tendonitis on Aug. 2, retroactive to Aug. 1.

"I'll be flying out to Cincinnati and should be in the lineup on Saturday."

Bo Bichette gives an update on where things are at with his injury following his second straight game with the @BuffaloBisons. pic.twitter.com/KrYZh6aT1C

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 18, 2023

Bichette was batting .321 with 17 home runs, 59 RBI, an .847 OPS and a 4.1 WAR in 2023 before he got hurt. The shortstop still leads the AL with 144 hits, putting him on track to lead the league in that category for the third consecutive year.

After making his MLB debut in 2019, Bichette developed into an All-Star by 2021, also finishing 12th in AL MVP voting that season. Bichette was not named an All-Star in 2022, but he placed 11th in AL MVP voting.

Across 499 career major league appearances, Bichette is a .302 hitter with 86 home runs, 298 RBI, 49 stolen bases, an .834 OPS and a 16.8 WAR. Bichette leads all AL shortstops in hits, home runs, doubles, RBI and runs over the last three seasons.

The Blue Jays are set to open a three-game road series against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Bichette has yet to be activated, though, so he likely won't be available until Saturday night's matchup.

Toronto currently holds sole possession of the third and final AL Wild Card spot with a 67-55 record, leading the Seattle Mariners by 0.5 games.

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