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No, Bo Bichette did not have a setback that would have prevented him from being in the starting lineup for Game 2 of the World Series.
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In fact, quite the opposite.
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Manager John Schneider said replacing Isaiah Kiner-Falefa in Bichette's place was always part of the plan.
More big pregame news from the Jays manager: Max Scherzer will get the ball in Game 3 when the series moves to Los Angeles on Monday, followed by Shane Bieber in Game 4.
More information about preparations for the fourth game:
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WHY NO BO?
Considering he missed seven weeks with a knee injury, the Jays don't want to overextend Bichette once he returns. Schneider said there were no physical setbacks on Friday, but that returning to a heavier load would be the most sensible approach.
“I don’t want to say that was part of the plan, I’m just assessing how he feels,” Schneider said. “I think he will certainly be ready to play (if needed). But in fact, after his dismissal, I didn’t want to kill him.
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“That's something we talked about before we made the decision to put him in the lineup. I thought he was good on Friday and I just want to watch him physically, but he'll be ready to bat and play at any time.”
Schneider reiterated that Bichette did a good job.
“When we put him in the squad, we did it because we thought he would help us win, and he did,” the manager said. “And considering he hasn’t played for seven weeks.
“It will certainly be nice to have those weapons on the bench tonight.”
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WHY SCHERZER FOR GAME 3?
No, the emotional, wild-eyed Scherzer did not physically threaten the coach.
“I didn't want to distract Max and the Dodger Stadium environment for too long,” Schneider said. “With all the hype you have to deal with, I think Max can handle it pretty well and it gives (Game 4 starter Shane Bieber) an extra day.”
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Another factor is that Scherzer would be a potential Game 7 starter if the 121 World Series is won.
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DID THE MANAGER EXPECT BARGER TO CLAP?
Short answer? No.
In fact, when Schneider inserted Addison Barger into the pinch-hitter in the sixth inning of Game 6 and the Dodgers responded with a pitching change, Schneider's expectations became decidedly modest.
“I was just trying to get (Vlad Guerrero Jr.) and battle (reliever Anthony Banda) — that’s what I was trying to do and hope (Barger) didn’t turn into a double play. So, in my opinion, the best option would be a sac fly or even an out.
Of course, there was more to it than that. Barger hit the first grand slam in World Series history and blew up the game.
“He just stayed on that slider and, man…,” Schneider said. “There were a lot of times when these guys made me look smart. But this was an incredible turnaround.”
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