Bo Bichette is in Boston with his Toronto Blue Jays teammates as he continues to work his way back into the lineup.
Bichette joined his teammates for some fielding drills at Fenway Park ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Red Sox.
Manager John Schneider told reporters before the game that Bichette was in the “final stage” of preparation before a rehab assignment.
“We miss him, it’s been weird without him,” Schneider added. “I know, in talking to him, he wanted to get going in the second half, and then the injury happens — that’s unfortunate for him and for us. From afar, he’s enjoyed watching these young guys play, he’s enjoyed watching the veterans play and his role isn’t going to change with us, whenever he does get back. He’s right in the middle of it, and we want him to just continue to be him.”
Bichette has not played since mid-July because of a calf strain and has been recovering at the club’s spring training complex in Dunedin, Fla. It is the second time this season he has been placed on the injured list with a calf strain.
Last week, Schneider said the Blue Jays were optimistic Bichette could begin a rehab assignment before the end of August.
Before his injury, Bichette was in the midst of the poorest offensive output of his six-season career. The 26-year-old has just four home runs and is hitting .222/.275/.320 through 80 games this season.