ALCS Preview: Blue Jays vs. Mariners without Bichette, with Scherzer and Bassitt in the fold
The Toronto Blue Jays will open the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners without their star shortstop Bo Bichette, who was left off the 26-man roster released Sunday morning. Bichette has not played since suffering a left knee sprain roughly five weeks ago, and his absence will be felt as Toronto looks to advance to the World Series. Game 1 is set for Sunday night at Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays hope their depth can compensate for Bichette’s continued absence.
Bichette’s potential return had been a fluttering topic in recent days, but late-burst baserunning drills Saturday revealed visible discomfort that left the organization cautious. The 2021 All-Star and core of Toronto’s lineup has been a steady source of offense since debuting with the club, and his absence will require other players to step up in the box.
Canadian Contingent vs. Seattle’s Experienced Pitching
Toronto will rely on a championship-tested rotation to navigate the Mariners, led by veteran right-handers Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt. Both arms earned spots on the ALCS roster after sitting out the AL Division Series, signaling the team’s trust in their closing game-day readiness and experience in October pressure.
Scherzer, a former Cy Young winner with a reputation for delivering in big moments, returns to the forefront for the Blue Jays in a series that will demand timely pitches and leadership from the mound. Bassitt, who has been a consistent presence, will join him as Toronto aims to stabilize its rotation behind a lineup that now faces a different set of challenges without Bichette.
Rosters for the ALCS also reflected the team’s approach to bullpen depth. While relievers Tommy Nance and Justin Bruihl appeared in the Division Series, they were not trimmed to a postseason roster for this round, suggesting Toronto is leaning on a more streamlined late-game arrangement and a bullpen that complements its starting arms in a quick-to-change game environment.
Where Toronto Looks for Offensive Punch
Without Bichette near the top of the order, the Blue Jays must lean on other light-hitting, high-contact contributors to spark offense. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Naylor have been central figures for Toronto, and the rest of the lineup will need to manufacture runs through patient at-bats and timely hits. Canadian fans will be watching to see which players rise to the occasion, with the pressure of a league-final series amplifying every at-bat.
Seattle, fresh off a marathon 15-inning win in the previous series against the Detroit Tigers, brings its own blend of resilience and depth. The Mariners’ lineup has proven capable of producing runs in a variety of ways, and their pitching staff will test Toronto’s ability to adjust mid-series. The Game 2 matchup at Rogers Centre will be critical in determining home-field advantage and the momentum swing as the series moves toward Seattle for Games 3 and 4.
Series Outlook: Road Ahead for Toronto
The Blue Jays are making their first ALCS appearance since 2016, a reminder of the long road back to the World Series for a franchise that prides itself on elite offense and balanced pitching. With Bichette sidelined, Toronto’s front office and coaching staff must craft lineups and in-game strategies that exploit Seattle’s vulnerabilities while protecting their own rotation from overuse in a short-series format.
Game 1 at Rogers Centre could set the tone for the series, especially with Scherzer and Bassitt taking the mound for Toronto. If the Blue Jays can find offense in the early frames and sustain pressure on Seattle’s bullpen, the home crowd could become a factor in the outcome. The best-of-seven format gives Toronto multiple opportunities to adapt, and the team’s depth will be put to the test as they chase their first pennant in years.
When and Where
Game 1: Sunday night at Rogers Centre
Game 2: Monday at Rogers Centre
The series then shifts to Seattle for Games 3 through 5, with the potential for Games 6 and 7 back on Canadian soil if the series goes the distance.
Bottom Line
Bo Bichette’s absence is a setback for Toronto, but the club’s decision to rely on Scherzer and Bassitt signals confidence in their veterans and a belief that the rest of the roster can carry the load. As the ALCS unfolds, the Blue Jays will be tested in every phase—from the early innings at Rogers Centre to the late-inning drama that defines October baseball.
