Middle finger surgery for Bo Bichette today. They’re putting a pin in to make sure it heals properly. Daulton Varsho’s shoulder surgery ended up being standard rotator cuff fix, no other damage found. Even without setbacks he’ll be toeing line to be full-go when camp starts.
Blue Jays Notes: Bo Bichette had surgery, Brett de Geus called up, and more
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2024, 20:00 EDTUpdated: Sep 25, 2024, 20:06 EDT
With just a handful of games remaining this season, the Toronto Blue Jays have made a transaction, while we have some clarity on two injured players.
On Wednesday, it was reported by multiple sources that Bo Bichette received surgery on September 25 for a displaced middle finger. Moreover, Daulton Varsho had regular rotator cuff surgery, both players should be ready for Spring Training.
Bichette had a rough season, slashing .225/.277/.322 with four home runs in 336 plate appearances, along with a 70 wRC+, accumulating a career-low 0.3 fWAR. This was after a great 2023 season where he slashed .306/.339/.475 with 20 home runs in 601 plate appearances for a 124 wRC+.
The Jays’ star shortstop had a short stint on the Injured List thanks to an injured calf, returning briefly before a much lengthier stint thanks to the same calf. After nearly two months, Bichette landed on the Injured List thanks to this injury.
As for Varsho, he had a much better season than the year prior, slashing .214/.293/.407 with 18 home runs in 513 plate appearances for a 99 wRC+ and a 3.3 fWAR. Once again, he excelled in the outfield, posting 28 Defensive Runs Saved and 16 Outs Above Average in 1085.1 innings between right, centre, and left field.
Thankfully, both players appear to be on track for the start of the 2025 Spring Training camp in a year that the Blue Jays hope to contend.
Transaction time!
The bullpen turnover continued on Wednesday, as Tommy Nance was optioned to the team’s Florida Complex League, while Brett de Geus was recalled.
ROSTER MOVES: 🔹 We've recalled RHP Brett de Geus from Triple-A and he will be active tonight, wearing Number 31 🔹 RHP Tommy Nance optioned to the Spring Training Complex
After not pitching in the big leagues since 2022 with the Miami Marlins, Nance posted a 4.09 ERA and a 3.98 FIP in 22 innings pitched, along with a 20.4 K% and a 9.7 BB%. However, he had a rough outing on Tuesday, giving up three runs (two earned) while being tagged with the loss.
As for de Geus, the 26-year-old pitched for the Marlins and the Seattle Mariners in 2024, posting a 5 ERA and a 3.50 FIP in 9 innings pitched, along with a 14.6 K% and a 4.9 BB%. Finishing the minor league season with the Buffalo Bisons, he pitched three scoreless innings with a 25 K% and no walks allowed.
Will either of these pitchers be in the Jays pen come 2025? Who knows.
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