The Toronto Blue Jays welcomed back pitchers Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt for the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, with shortstop Bo Bichette still sidelined due to a left knee sprain. Both teams revealed their 26-man rosters ahead of Sunday night’s Game 1 at Rogers Centre.
Manager John Schneider outlined that Scherzer was slated for a potential start or extended appearance, while Bassitt would be in the bullpen prepared for any situation. Schneider emphasized the importance of having both pitchers ready given the unpredictable nature of playoff games.
The Blue Jays plan to start rookie Trey Yesavage in Game 2 and Shane Bieber in Game 3 when the series shifts to Seattle. Kevin Gausman started Game 1, maintaining the same pitching rotation that proved successful in the division series against the New York Yankees.
Schneider hinted that Scherzer might play a role in a potential Game 4. Scherzer, an eight-time All-Star, had a mixed season with a 5-5 record and a 5.19 ERA after battling a thumb injury earlier in the year. Bassitt, on the other hand, posted an 11-9 record with a 3.96 ERA before landing on the injured list due to lower-back inflammation.
Bichette, the team’s hits leader for the season, continued his recovery process, engaging in outfield drills and simulated games. While not ready to return to full speed, Bichette’s progress is monitored closely by the team staff.
Notably, relievers Tommy Nance and Justin Bruihl did not make the roster for this series. Schneider praised Bichette for his active participation in team meetings and maintaining a positive attitude despite his absence on the field.
The Mariners bolstered their roster by adding Bryan Woo and Miles Mastrobuoni, replacing Luke Raley and Ben Williamson. Woo, an All-Star pitcher, brings a strong regular-season performance to the Mariners’ pitching staff after recovering from pectoral inflammation.
The Blue Jays, appearing in their first ALCS since 2016, are eager to make a deeper postseason run and end their World Series drought dating back to 1993. The Mariners, after a grueling five-game series against the Detroit Tigers, arrived in Toronto aiming to advance in the playoffs.
