TORONTO -- The Blue Jays held out hope that Bo Bichette , a key cog in a potent lineup they rode to 94 wins and the American League East title, would progress enough to return from a knee sprain in time for the AL Division Series, but the shortstop was left off their roster ahead of Game 1 against the New York Yankees .

Toronto will also not carry veteran right-handed starters Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer among their 13 pitchers.

Bichette, 27, bounced back from an injury-plagued 2024 season to return to previous form in 2025, batting .311 with 18 home runs and an .840 OPS, before spraining his knee Sept. 6 sliding into home plate at Yankee Stadium. Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez split shortstop duties over the Blue Jays' final 20 regular-season games.

On Friday, Blue J

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