Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is facing an extended absence due to a strained right calf, confirmed by manager John Schneider on Saturday. The injury occurred during Friday’s game against Detroit when Bichette felt discomfort while running to first base after hitting a line drive in the sixth inning. He had to leave the field with the trainer, visibly in pain and hopping.

Before Saturday’s game against the Tigers, the Blue Jays placed Bichette on the 10-day injured list and called up utility player Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo to fill his roster spot.

This setback comes shortly after Bichette returned from a previous stint on the injured list on June 24, where he had missed nine games due to calf soreness. He had also dealt with calf issues earlier in July, which had sidelined him before the All-Star break.

Bichette, who has been an All-Star twice and has led the American League in hits on two occasions, is having a challenging season with a batting average of .223, four home runs, and 30 RBIs in 79 games. Among AL batters who qualify, his .597 OPS is currently the lowest.

In Bichette’s absence, Leo Jiménez took over at shortstop for the Blue Jays in Saturday’s game against the Tigers.

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