Blue Jays Reach World Series; Bichette Near Return

The Toronto Blue Jays clinched their first World Series berth since 1993, beating the Seattle Mariners 4–3 in Game 7 after George Springer’s three‑run homer and a Jeff Hoffman save. Shortstop Bo Bichette, sidelined since Sept. 6 with a left‑knee PCL sprain and left off the postseason roster, has made progress and said he expects to be ready for the World Series. Manager John Schneider says Bichette has been hitting, running and taking ground balls and will undergo a full workout Thursday that will inform the roster decision due Friday morning. If activated, Bichette could be used as a designated hitter, return to shortstop, or — in a surprise move — play second base, a position he hasn’t played in the majors, which could lead Toronto to keep Andrés Giménez at short or shift George Springer in the alignment to ease stress on Bichette’s knee. Bichette enjoyed one of his best seasons (.311/.357/.483, .840 OPS, 18 HR, 94 RBI in 139 games) and is set to be a free agent after the season.