The Toronto Blue Jays are taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday. Leading up to the contest, it was unclear what role Bo Bichette would be playing upon his return, but ultimately, he'll be playing second base. Before the start of the game, manager John Schneider shared a comment about Bichette's new role and return to the lineup.
Reports indicate that Bichette offered to play second base for the Blue Jays in the World Series, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Schneider praised the 27-year-old infielder for his suggestion and for being so versatile in the championship series.
“He was pretty open with me about, ‘Hey, I can do this if need be.' Both in terms of taking a little bit of the physicality of the game off of him and looking at what Andrés Gimenez is doing at short, too,” said John Schneider. “[Bichette] being open to ti with me was all I needed to hear. As long as he was moving around fine and physically felt okay, you felt good about putting him there.
“For him to do that says a lot about him,” continued Schneider about Bo Bichette. “Bo has obviously been a big part of our team. He's been a big part of our year this year with the production and playing every day. But for him to say that and take a step back while he's watching us play, just say, ‘Hey, I'm willing to do whatever it takes,' even though he's been the shortstop here for six years – that says a lot about him. It made it that much easier.
“The conversation was pretty direct and pretty honest. Bo's been that way this entire year, more so than I've ever seen him – which is awesome.”
Bo Bichette returned to the lineup for the World Series after dealing with a knee injury that put him on the IL back in early September. His appearance in Game 1 of the World Series is his first since then.
The two-time All-Star is batting fourth in the lineup. He's also playing second base for the first time in his career after playing shortstop for so many years in baseball.
