Timeline TBD for Bichette (concussion protocol)

NEW YORK -- Blue Jays star rookie Bo Bichette is still working his way through concussion protocol after being hit on the helmet by a pitch on Thursday, and there is no clear timeline for his return entering the weekend series against the Yankees.

Bichette took a 92.9-mph pitch off the bill of his helmet against the Orioles and originally stayed in the game, but he was removed shortly after when he began experiencing concussion-like symptoms.

"He's not as bad as we thought, but he's got to be cleared now by MLB," manager Charlie Montoyo said. "It could be two days, it could be three days, it could be a week or he could be out. So he's day to day."

Bichette has been a true everyday player, which is rare for the Blue Jays. Even Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had some regular rest days built in, while many starters have been given breaks as Montoyo gets reps for everyone on the 25-man roster and, now, the expanded September roster.

Montoyo said he knows that Bichette is eager to return, but this isn't an injury that can be played through.

"If I have to guess about that kid, he would love to play today but, realistically, maybe when we go home," Montoyo said. "I don't see him playing these three days."

Bichette's debut has been the story of the season for the Blue Jays. In 46 games, the shortstop is hitting .311 with 11 home runs and a .930 OPS. He's also ripped 18 doubles and, through the first month of his career in the Major Leagues, seemingly every game came with a new record related to his streaks of extra-base hits.

The first couple of weeks were impressive, but Bichette's ability to sustain that success while carrying one of the heaviest workloads on the team has caught Montoyo's eye, especially as the 21-year-old plays deep into September for the first time in his pro career.

"He loves it. He wants to play," Montoyo said. "I keep waiting for him to run out of gas, but he just keeps going. Leading off and having four at-bats a day and hitting the ball all over the place, you get tired. He's young, but still. He's been great."

Worth noting
• Prior to Friday's game, the Blue Jays claimed infielder Breyvic Valera off waivers from the Yankees. Valera has played for the Cardinals, Dodgers, Orioles and Yankees already in just three Major League seasons. The versatile infielder appeared in 12 games for the Yankees this season, and over 107 Triple-A games between New York and San Francisco, the 27-year-old hit .303 with an .870 OPS and more walks (50) than strikeouts (44).

In a corresponding move, reliever Ryan Dull was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Dull was claimed off waivers from Oakland this week but did not appear in a game.

• Minor League pitcher Luis Quinones has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for nandrolone, a performance-enhancing substance. Quinones, the Blue Jays' 34th-round pick in the 2019 Draft, pitched for Rookie Advanced Bluefield and Class A Short-Season Vancouver in his first pro season. Over 36 2/3 innings, Quinones posted a 2.95 ERA with 57 strikeouts.