logo
Blue Jays World Series notebook: Bichette discusses move to second base, Gausman starting Game 2, France’s role in return from injury
alt
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Thomas Hall
Oct 24, 2025, 18:00 EDTUpdated: Oct 24, 2025, 18:07 EDT
Comments
Game 1 of the World Series is nearly upon us.
With first pitch flying at Rogers Centre Friday night, the Toronto Blue Jays made shortstop Bo Bichette, right-hander Kevin Gausman and manager John Schneider available to the media pre-game, revealing several details involving the club’s upcoming series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
So, let’s dive in.

Moving to Second Base was Bo Bichette’s Idea

That’s right, Bichette initially presented the idea of moving to second base to the Blue Jays, he revealed to reporters prior to Game 1. With how he’s currently feeling physically after recovering from a PCL strain in his left knee, moving to the right side of the diamond ultimately made more sense, especially with how well Andrés Giménez has filled in at shortstop.
“It was something that I felt like I could get ready for quicker than another position,” Bichette said. “I just want to be ready to help the team in any way that is afforded to me, so that felt like an opportunity for me and, obviously, they were on board with it.”
Bichette has never played second in the majors and last suited up at the position in 2019. For his minor-league career, the 27-year-old logged 262.1 innings at second split between rookie ball, single-A, double-A and triple-A.
He’ll start at second alongside first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Game 1, but Toronto’s defence could remain fluid throughout the series.

Bichette Comments on Upcoming Free Agency

Bichette was also asked about his pending free agency, which he replied to by reiterating that his goal is still to “stay here for my entire career.” But he also added that with this being Game 1 of the World Series, he doesn’t have “time to think about that” and needs to focus on doing “everything I can to help the team win.”

Kevin Gausman Announced as Game 2 Starter

As part of Friday’s media availability, Schneider confirmed that Gausman will take the ball in Game 2 against the Dodgers, also lining him up to start Game 6 (if necessary) back in Toronto. It’ll be his first appearance in a game beyond the League Championship Series.
“It’s exciting,” Gausman said. “I’ve played over 12 years now. Every year, you go into the season with the hope that you’re one of the last two teams playing. That just hasn’t been the reality for me. I’m just really excited for this group and for myself. It’s been a crazy ride and now we are here and we’re excited to kind of show the world what the Blue Jays are all about.”

How Ty France Fits into Lineup Equation

France, who hasn’t played since Sep. 21 due to an oblique injury, was added to the Blue Jays’ World Series roster on Friday after being left off during the first two rounds. The 31-year-old will likely be utilized in a bench role, according to Schneider, with the team eyeing him for late-game pinch-hitting situations against the Dodgers’ lefty relievers.
“Ty has been working his tail off in between, and I think [he] looks pretty damn good hitting,” Schneider said.
“He’s a professional hitter, so it was kind of easy based on the number of lefties that they’re going to have in their bullpen as well.”

Featured

News

Breaking News