Blue Jays’ manager John Schneider shook up the lineup for Game 2 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Infielder Bo Bichette, who returned after seven weeks in Game 1, was on the bench. Isiah Kiner-Falefa started at second base while Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger replaced Davis Schneider and Myles Straw in the outfield.
Although primarily a shortstop, Bichette started at second base for the first time in the big leagues due to a left knee sprain. Schneider mentioned in a pre-game media session that they carefully managed Bichette’s return to avoid overworking him.
Kevin Gausman and Yoshinobu Yamamoto were slated to pitch in Game 2. Max Scherzer would start Game 3 for the Dodgers, with Shane Bieber lined up for Game 4. Potential Game 5 would be in Los Angeles, while Games 6 and 7, if necessary, would be held in Toronto.
Bichette had a single and a double play in Game 1, kicking off the Blue Jays’ nine-run sixth inning with a walk. His impressive .311 batting average and 181 hits led Toronto in the previous season.