The Blue Jays, who are playing for the American League East title on Sunday, are also trying to get Bo Bichette and Chris Bassitt back for the playoffs.
The Toronto Blue Jays will close out the regular season on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre, and they'll do so with the American League East championship in their sights.
At 92-69, the Jays are tied with the New York Yankees for the division lead, but because they hold the tiebreaker, they'll win the division even if they finish with the same record.
If Toronto wins the division, they'll get the No. 1 seed in the looming playoffs and a first-round bye, which could be critical given the injury issues it's dealing with.
Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports that Bo Bichette, out with a knee sprain, is hitting and throwing, but he's not running. The extra few days off until the American League Division Series could be crucial for the team, and for his recovery.
Furthermore, Chris Bassitt, out with a back injury, looks like he'd be available for the ALDS, but not a wild card round, should Toronto play there.
On Bichette
The 27-year-old pairs with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer and Alejandro Kirk to make up one of the deepest lineups in the American League, and together, they have goals of winning the first title for the Jays since 1993.
Bichette has had an excellent season, hitting .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs. He is tied for second in MLB in hits (181), even despite not playing since Sept. 7. He also has the second-most doubles in the league with 44.
It should be noted, that if he plays in the playoffs, he may have to be the designated hitter, which complicates the lineup in terms of Anthony Santander and George Springer.
On Bassitt
An 11-year veteran, Bassitt is 11-9 this season with a 3.96 ERA. He's made 31 starts, tossing 170.1 innings. He's made three postseason appearances in his career, going 1-2 with a 4.20 ERA. He last pitched for the New York Mets in the 2022 wild card round.
If the Jays need a four-man rotation, Bassitt would figure to pair with Kevin Gausman and Max Scherzer. The fourth spot could go to Jose Berrios or rookie Trey Yesavage.
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the third inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesUp next
The Jays and Rays will play at 3:07 p.m. ET. Gausman is pitching against lefty Ian Seymour.
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