The Blue Jays’ ALDS roster misses Bo Bichette due to a left knee PCL strain, while Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt and Ty France are also out. Anthony Santander is added to the roster in France’s absence, and Toronto aligns with two left-handed starters to navigate the series against the Yankees. With Bichette day-to-day and not on the roster, Toronto leans on depth and strategic lineup tweaks to counter New York’s favorites-to-win edge.

Toronto’s lineup reshaping, plus the rotation adjustments and bullpen calls, heighten the stakes in a pivotal ALDS opener in Toronto. Every at-bat and pitching decision could tilt the series as the Blue Jays chase a path to the World Series mix, while the Yankees bring the steadier, favored odds into Game 1.

Toronto trimmed its ALDS roster for the Yankees series, leaving Bo Bichette out while he rehabs a knee. Also omitted were Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and Jose Berrios, along with Ty France. The 26-man group leans heavily on pitching depth (13 arms) and a balanced mix of infielders and outfielders. If Toronto can navigate the opener at Rogers Centre, Bichette’s possible return could spark the lineup late in the series.

Game 1 is Saturday afternoon and Game 2 Sunday, both at home. The Jays’ reshaped roster signals a focus on pitching depth and defense, with offense needing to compensate for the absence of key contributors as they face the Yankees in a pivotal series that could define the season’s trajectory.