### Blue Jays ALCS Roster Update: Key Players Missing and Returning The Toronto Blue Jays have made significant roster decisions ahead of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners. Notably, star shortstop Bo Bichette has been left off the roster due to a knee injury, while veteran pitchers Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt have been activated after missing the previous series. This roster adjustment comes as the Blue Jays aim to compete effectively against the Mariners in this crucial playoff round. ### Breakdown of Roster Changes and Implications 1. **Bo Bichette's Absence**: - Bichette has been sidelined since September 6 due to a PCL sprain in his left knee and has not fully recovered in time for the ALCS [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/jays_mariners_add_staring_pitchers_to_alcs_rosters_bo_bichette_out/s1_17044_42888582]. - His absence is a significant blow to the Blue Jays, as he is a two-time All-Star and a key offensive player [https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/bichette-left-off-blue-jays-alcs-roster-scherzer-bassitt-active-woo-returns-for-mariners]. 2. **Activation of Scherzer and Bassitt**: - Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, and Chris Bassitt have been added to the roster after missing the Division Series against the Yankees due to various injuries [https://www.newstribune.com/news/2025/oct/13/bichette-left-off-blue-jays-alcs-roster-but-scherzer-bassitt-active]. - Scherzer's experience and Bassitt's recent performance are expected to bolster the pitching staff as they face the Mariners [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/playoffs/2025/10/12/blue-jays-mariners-alcs-rosters-max-scherzer-bryan-woo/86662473007]. 3. **Mariners' Roster Adjustments**: - The Seattle Mariners have also made changes, including the return of ace right-hander Bryan Woo, who had been out due to pectoral inflammation [https://apnews.com/article/blue-jays-mariners-alcs-rosters-40f7605c5c488e7a83c60bd4455775b1]. - Woo's return is significant as he was a first-time All-Star this season and led the Mariners in several pitching categories [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/jays_mariners_add_staring_pitchers_to_alcs_rosters_bo_bichette_out/s1_17044_42888582]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Bichette's Injury Timeline**: - Last played on September 6, 2025. - Attempted to run the bases on October 11 but experienced discomfort [https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/bichette-left-off-blue-jays-alcs-roster-scherzer-bassitt-active-woo-returns-for-mariners]. - **Scherzer and Bassitt's Previous Performance**: - Scherzer's struggles in September led to his exclusion from the ALDS, but he is now expected to contribute significantly [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/blue_jays_add_chris_bassitt_max_scherzer_to_alcs_roster_bo_bichette_not_included/s1_13237_42887843]. - Bassitt was dealing with back inflammation but is now ready to pitch [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/blue_jays_alcs_roster_bassitt_and_scherzer_added_bichette_bruihl_and_nance_left_off/s1_13549_42887864]. ### Conclusion: Key Takeaways from the ALCS Roster Decisions 1. **Bichette's Absence**: The Blue Jays will miss Bichette's offensive capabilities, which could impact their performance against the Mariners. 2. **Pitching Reinforcements**: The return of Scherzer and Bassitt provides the Blue Jays with experienced arms that could be crucial in the series. 3. **Mariners' Strength**: The Mariners are also bolstering their roster with Woo's return, indicating a competitive matchup ahead. In summary, the roster changes reflect both teams' strategies as they prepare for the ALCS, with the Blue Jays facing challenges due to injuries while also gaining valuable pitching resources [https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/bo-bichette-left-off-blue-jays-alcs-roster-bryan-woo-returns-mariners].