Blue Jays SS Bo Bichette 'optimistic' he can return for ALCS

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette is hopeful that he'll be able to return to action for the team's American League Championship Series.

Bichette, 27, has been sidelined since Sept. 6 with a left knee sprain sustained in a hard collision at home plate. He was left off the roster that beat the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series in four games.

Hours before Game 4 of the ALDS on Wednesday, Bichette was seen jogging in the outfield at Yankee Stadium, something that hadn't previously been seen by reporters.

"I've made a lot of progress recently, so I'm optimistic about my chances," Bichette told reporters after the Blue Jays' series-clinching win. "I still have some hurdles to clear, but I'm optimistic. ... I'm feeling better every day."

Bichette, the starting shortstop for the Blue Jays, had a career-best .311 batting average in 139 games this season with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs and a career-high 44 doubles. He has a .294 career average with 111 home runs and 190 doubles over seven seasons.

With Bichette unavailable, Andres Gimenez moved over from second base to short to replace him defensively.

Toronto awaits the winner of Friday night's Game 5 between the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers. The Blue Jays will host the victorious team in Games 1 and 2 of the ALCS on Sunday and Monday.

--Field Level Media