The Toronto Blue Jays infield continues to suffer from the injury bug after Bo Bichette was placed on the injured list on Tuesday. This is the second time he’s been sent to the injured list in August. In a corresponding move, Toronto called up infielder Mason McCoy to make his major-league debut.
ROSTER MOVES:
🔹 SS Bo Bichette (right quad strain) placed on 10-day IL, retroactive to August 28
🔹 INF Mason McCoy selected to the Major League roster and will be active tonight pic.twitter.com/Dhl6GqEllM
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 29, 2023
Injuries Disrupting A Playoff Chase
Before Tuesday’s games begin, the Blue Jays sit fourth in the American League wild-card standings, 2.5 games behind the third spot held by the Houston Astros. The Bichette injury further plunges their chances following news that Matt Chapman was placed on the IL on Monday. Bichette has played well this season, anchoring Toronto’s lineup with a .314 batting average and 18 home runs. With the entire left side of the infield on the shelf, Toronto must lean on young players from their minor league system. Davis Schneider, a rookie called up at the beginning of August, has begun his career with aplomb, hitting .425 in 40 at-bats. Bichette provides significant production at the top of the lineup and protection for big bats George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Chapman when all are healthy. Unfortunately, that health has been in uncertain quantities since August began.
A Lifelong Dream Fulfilled
To fill Bichette’s roster spot, the Blue Jays called up shortstop Mason McCoy. McCoy was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2017 and made his way to Toronto’s system via a July trade. In exchange for right-hander Trent Thornton, the Blue Jays received McCoy from the Seattle Mariners. Across both organizations this season, McCoy has hit .226 with 12 home runs. Despite struggling at Triple-A Buffalo since the trade, McCoy has been called up to replace Bichette until he recovers. McCoy was not ranked on any prospect lists.
Crunch Time in Toronto
Suddenly, the Blue Jays are caught in a precarious position. Toronto cannot afford a losing stretch to hold off the Boston Red Sox, who lurk two games behind them in the standings. However, the injury bug has hurt their chances. The Blue Jays offense has struggled at points in 2023. This season, they rank 8th in the league in WRC+ with a 106 mark (100 is the league average). However, they rank 16th in runs scored and 20th in hard-hit percentage. With an inconsistent offense, even with Bichette in the lineup, there are causes for concern with the day’s news. It’s up to the young players and the team’s healthy veterans to perform better than they have thus far. Otherwise, the Blue Jays will be sitting at home come October.
Main Photo Credits: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
