Bo Bichette hits the injured list once again; Blue Jays recall new prospect in his place

Just two days after making his return from the injured list against the Rangers with a calf injury, Bo Bichette has once again landed on it with a right middle finger fracture. As a result Bichette's season, easily the worst of his career, has come to an abrupt end. In a corresponding move, Jonatan Clase has been recalled from Triple-A Buffalo; he'll be active for Thursday's series finale in Arlington.

It's been a difficult week in injury news for the Blue Jays so far. Daulton Varsho and Will Wagner's seasons are after over with shoulder and knee injuries, respectively.

Now, the team has received the news they didn't wish to hear regarding their star shortstop.

Bichette finishes the 2024 season with four home runs, 31 RBI, .225 average and an OPS of .599 in 81 games - the fewest he's played since the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. According to Hazel Mae, he is set to fly with the team to Tampa to see a specialist and determine the best course of action. It's still uncertain as to whether Bichette will be a member of the Blue Jays next season given his name was linked in trade rumors for the majority of 2024 . Though last week he stated he wants to remain with the Blue Jays long-term and 'win a championship with Vladdy,' it remains to be seen whether that's true or not.

Jonatan Clase, the Blue Jays' sixth-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, is a 22-year-old switch hitting outfielder acquired in the Yimi Garcia trade. In 35 games with Buffalo, Clase hit .244 with two home runs, 11 RBI and a .651 OPS. He's seen the majority of his playing time in left field (15 games) but is also capable of playing center, where he'll get the majority of his playing time with the big league squad.

Clase provides the Blue Jays with extra depth in the outfield considering the loss of Varsho and speed on the base paths combining for 38 stolen bases in Buffalo and Tacoma. With ten games left, Toronto will get a small glimpse at another prospect they acquired at this year's deadline.