Toronto Blue Jays fans can breathe easier now that the MRI results for Bo Bichette are back.
When the Toronto Blue Jays announced that Bo Bichette was set to undergo an MRI on his right knee, it was easy to fear the worst. He had begun to establish himself as one of the bright young stars in the game, already making history after just 60 major league games. This injury was just another sign that the Blue Jays could not have nice things.
But Blue Jays fans can breathe easier now. Bichette’s injury is not considered serious, and he should be perfectly fine in the long term.
Bo Bichette's second opinion is in, diagnosed with Grade 1 strain of lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, per source. Considered minor, no long-term impact, rest of knee sound. Injury simply needs time. #BlueJays mapping out rehab plan now.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) August 18, 2020
It is certainly welcome news for a Blue Jays team that has been a disappointment this season. They had entered the year with high hopes, expecting to take another step towards contention. Instead, they entered Monday with a 7-11 record, 12th in the American League.
While the Blue Jays revamped pitching staff has generally been as advertised, the offense has struggled. The Blue Jays 72 runs entering Monday night were the fewest in the American League, and a major reason for their disappointing start to the year.
Bichette, meanwhile, had more than done his part. He had produced a .361/.391/.672 batting line with four doubles, five homers, and four steals. Prior to his injury, he had ranked in the top five in the AL in batting average, on base percentage, slugging, and stolen bases.
If the Blue Jays are going to have any hope of contending for a playoff spot, even in the expanded postseason, they will need Bichette to return to action as soon as possible. He may be the most irreplaceable piece in their lineup, an all around offensive threat with a solid glove. In his stead, Toronto is forced to use some combination of Brandon Drury, Joe Panik, and Santiago Espinal at short.
The Toronto Blue Jays received good news when it came to Bo Bichette’s injured knee. Now it is a question of how quickly he can return to the diamond.