Bo Bichette will miss the rest of the regular season with a sprained left knee, and no surgery is required. A second opinion confirmed rest and rehab, with a possible return as a designated hitter before resuming defense as soon as he’s able. Toronto holds the majors’ best record and a five-game AL East lead with 12 games left, aiming for a top-two seed and a home playoff opener on Oct. 4, or a Sept. 30 wild-card start if needed.

Before the injury, Bichette was having a monster year: .311 with 18 homers, 94 RBIs in 139 games, plus leading the majors in hits (181) and doubles (44). He’s a two-time All-Star and the son of former slugger Dante Bichette, adding a notable storyline as the Jays navigate the stretch run and potential playoff format.

Bichette will miss the rest of the regular season with a knee sprain, clouding the Blue Jays’ path to the postseason and raising questions about his free-agent value this winter. Toronto hopes for a postseason return, but there’s no timetable. With 12 games left and a division title on the line, the Jays must lean on depth as they chase the AL East crown.