There’s still hope that shortstop Bo Bichette can join the Toronto Blue Jays this post-season if they win Game 7 of the ALCS and advance to the World Series.

In speaking to reporters on Monday, manager John Schneider revealed that Bichette (PCL strain) has been making “significant progress” recently behind the scenes in his recovery. The club’s skipper later added that much of that has involved his swing more than anything else, focusing on getting him to feel comfortable while “letting it rip.”

Schneider said Bichette has increased the intensity and length of the running he’s been doing in the outfield, but he hasn’t resumed running the bases yet. Defensively, he’s done some light work at short but also isn’t full go in that capacity yet, either.

The hope is that the 27-year-old will be able to check off both of those boxes if the Blue Jays advance to the World Series. They’re still taking it day-to-day with his status, though.

Bichette, a pending free agent, hasn’t played since injuring his left knee on a home-plate collision on Sep. 6. With his future beyond this season uncertain, it’d be incredibely disappionting if the team can’t extend their season long enough to have him make his highly anticipated return before hitting the open market this winter.

Additionally, Schneider also followed up his update on Berríos’ status from Sunday, confirming that he’s resumed playing catch after being shut down for most of October due to a right elbow injury. However, he revealed that the injured right-handed starter’s season is officially over.

Berríos was unlikely to be an option for the Blue Jays’ roster anyway even if they advance to the World Series, considering he hasn’t pitched in nearly a month (last start on Sep. 24) or been cleared to resume pitching off a mound yet.

Next season figures to be an important year for the 31-year-old hurler, whose seven-year, $131-million contract extension includes an opt-out after the 2026 campaign — a clause that’s unlikely to be exercised at this point.