JUST IN NOW: Blue Jays all-star key man return to MLB just now with a tough decision made

All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette is making progress in his recovery from a strained calf. On Tuesday, he joined his Toronto Blue Jays teammates for batting practice and fielded groundballs, following a session of running the basepaths at Rogers Centre the day before. Bichette, 26, has been sidelined since July 19 and has been rehabbing at the team’s spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida.

“He’ll come with us to Atlanta to continue his recovery,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider before Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. “If things go well, he could be ready to return after the weekend.”

This marks the second time this season that Bichette has been placed on the injured list with a calf strain. The two-time All-Star has struggled this season, hitting just .222 with four home runs and 30 RBIs.

Schneider also mentioned that shortstop Leo Jimenez was uninjured after a highlight-reel catch that sent him tumbling into the stands during Toronto’s 4-3 loss to the Twins on Sunday. Jimenez was given a rest on Tuesday, with Ernie Clement filling in at shortstop.

Meanwhile, Toronto pitching prospect Jake Bloss started for the Buffalo Bisons against the IronPigs on Tuesday. Schneider noted that the organization is closely monitoring Bloss, who could be a September call-up.

“If Bloss joins us, it would likely be as a starter,” Schneider said. “We have options—whether it’s a six-man rotation, piggybacking, or something else.”

Bloss has a 6.35 ERA over four starts with Triple-A Buffalo, with nine strikeouts, 15 hits, and eight runs allowed in 11 1/3 innings since being acquired from the Houston Astros on July 29 in the trade for Yusei Kikuchi.