Blue Jays keep winning as reinforcements near return

The Toronto Blue Jays keep finding ways to win ballgames even though a couple of key contributors are still sidelined with injuries.

The Blue Jays have sole possession of second place in the American League thanks in large part to a 10-run outburst in the sixth inning of last night’s contest versus the New York Yankees. The team will also presumably welcome back shortstop Bo Bichette and closer Ken Giles before the weekend as both players are nearing their respective returns.

Bichette was the designated hitter in a simulated game in Rochester yesterday, the shortstop will get some game action in at shortstop later today and then the team will re-evaluate his return date on how the knee responds.

In 14 games prior to the injury, Bichette was hitting .361/.391/.672 with 22 hits including five home runs in just 64 plate appearances.

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Once Bichette returns, the Blue Jays can shift Jonathan Villar to second base while Cavan Biggio remains in the outfield to replace the injured Teoscar Hernandez. That will allow the Jays to field their best offensive and defensive lineup from here on out.

Giles will throw his third bullpen session today and can officially be activated off the injured list on September 10th. Once Giles returns to the bullpen fold, the likes of Anthony Bass and Rafael Dolis will all move down a rung in the pecking order.

The 29-year old made just two relief appearances this season before hitting the injured reserve with a forearm injury.

The Jays will have to option a pair of players back to Rochester to make room for both Giles and Bichette. It would appear that Sean Reid-Foley and Jonathan Davis will once again draw the short straws when the time comes later this week.

The return of the pair will definitely not hurt the team’s chances as they continue to charge up the American League standings.