Bo Bichette is back.
The Toronto Blue Jays reinstated their star shortstop from the 10-day injured list on Friday ahead of their series opener against the Kansas City Royals.
Bichette will start at shortstop and bat No. 2 in Friday's game.
"Huge addition at the top of the order. We all know what he can do,'' Blue Jays manager John Schneider said of Bichette's return. "I think we're still going to have to ease him in a little bit in terms of just watching his workload the first handful of games. If it's a DH day or an off day even, we don't want to take a step back from this injury."
In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays optioned infielder Mason McCoy to triple-A Buffalo.
Bichette was placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to Aug. 28 with a right quad strain.
The 25-year-old leads the Blue Jays with a .314 batting average and 152 hits. He's second on the club with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs.
"I think initially there might be a bit of that," Bichette said about easing back into games. "We have a little bit of a plan mapped out, but I hope it's finished by the time Texas comes around.
"We have to just win every game, but obviously with the standings, those are big games. Every game from here on out is big."
Toronto enters Friday's game a half-game up on the Texas Rangers for the third and final wild-card spot in the American League.
You can watch Bichette make his return against the Royals live on Sportsnet and SN NOW at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
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