Blue Jays make Bo Bichette late scratch vs. Astros with forearm contusion

Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette during a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 9, 2024. (Jeff Chiu/AP)

If the Toronto Blue Jays want to split the series against the Houston Astros, they are going to have to do it without Bo Bichette.

The Blue Jays made the shortstop a late scratch with right forearm contusion, the team announced ahead of their July 4 game.

Manager John Schneider told reporters that Bichette experienced soreness in the spot where he was hit by a pitch on Wednesday while throwing and hitting. Recent call-up Leo Jimenez will slot into his spot at shortstop while playing in his big-league debut, while Spencer Horwitz will play second base and will bat fifth in the lineup.

The Blue Jays are hoping to rebound after being thrashed 9-2 against the Astros on Wednesday. Catch all the action live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 1:07 p.m. ET / 10:07 a.m. PT.

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