GDB 124.0: Bo Bichette returns as Toronto Blue Jays square off with Cincinnati Reds

The Bo Bichette era has returned.

After injuring his patellar tendon in his right knee rounding the bases in a July 31st game, the Toronto Blue Jays star short stop will take his regular spot in the infield. Bichette was diagnosed with tendinitis in his knee, something he said he’s never dealt with before, and took some time to recover before playing two games with the Triple-A Bisons this past week.

It’s there where he went 4-for-5 at the plate with three RBIs and a triple that he was really able to test things out. Game one saw him DH and hit the aforementioned triple, while he spent game two in the infield stretching things out.

Bichette is clearly feeling much better, and his return prompted the Jays to DFA Paul DeJong, who was acquired on the Aug. 1st deadline. He filled in admirably in the outfield, but going 3-for-44 at the plate with no walks simply wasn’t acceptable. While some could argue other roster moves could’ve been made to instead keep the wily veteran around, the Jays clearly felt better with the internal options available.

First pitch: 4:40 p.m EST — Sportsnet, Sportsnet 650.

Toronto Blue Jays: 67-56, 8.5 GB, 0.5 WCGB, +54 DIFF.

Cincinnati Reds: 64-59, 2.0 GB, – WCGB, -19 DIFF.

Moneyline: TOR -154; CIN +125.

TOR: Chris Bassitt RHP – 11-6, 25 GS, 145.2 IP. 3.95 ERA, 106 ERA+, 4.56 FIP, 1.236 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9, 8.5 SO/9.

CIN: Brandon Williamson LHP – 4-2, 16 GS, 81.0 IP. 4.33 ERA, 106 ERA+, 481 FIP, 1.222 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9, 7.8 SO/9.

Tune into the latest edition of Blue Jays Nation Radio as the crew talks about the Jays’ latest series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.