Blue Jays Reach World Series; Bichette Near Return

The Toronto Blue Jays rallied from a 3–2 ALCS deficit to reach their first World Series since 1993, beating the Seattle Mariners 4–3 in Game 7 after George Springer’s three-run homer and a save from Jeff Hoffman. Shortstop Bo Bichette has been sidelined since Sept. 6 with a left-knee PCL sprain, was left off postseason rosters and did not play in the postseason. Manager John Schneider and multiple reports say Bichette has made “significant progress,” doing light fielding, batting‑cage work and base‑running tests, and Bichette said he expects to be ready for Game 1 on Friday. He has not appeared in a live game in over six weeks and has not been cleared for full shortstop duties, so a start is not guaranteed as the club finalizes its World Series roster in the coming days. The decision is complicated by Bichette’s pending free‑agent status, and the Blue Jays confirmed that pitcher José Berríos will not return this season.