Blue Jays manager John Schneider implemented various changes to his lineup for the second game of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. Infielder Bo Bichette, who returned after a seven-week absence in Toronto’s 11-4 victory in Game 1, was a reserve option. Isiah Kiner-Falefa started at second base, while Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger took the field in place of Davis Schneider and Myles Straw in the outfield.
Primarily a shortstop, Bichette made his debut at second base in the major leagues after being added to the 26-man roster before Game 1 due to recovering from a left knee sprain. Schneider mentioned in a pre-game media briefing that he wanted to manage Bichette’s workload carefully after the hiatus and was pleased with his performance in the previous game.
Right-handers Kevin Gausman and Yoshinobu Yamamoto were designated as the starting pitchers for Game 2. Schneider also revealed that Max Scherzer would be on the mound for Game 3 at Dodger Stadium on Monday, with Shane Bieber slated for Game 4 on Tuesday. Potential Game 5 would be hosted by the Dodgers, and if further games are required, Game 6 and Game 7 would be played in Toronto.
Bichette contributed a single in the first inning and a double play in the third inning of Game 1. He started the Blue Jays’ pivotal nine-run sixth inning with a walk before being substituted by Kiner-Falefa. Bichette boasted a .311 batting average in the previous season and led Toronto with 181 hits.
