Weekend return possible for Bichette, Giles

Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette (right knee sprain) took five at-bats as a DH in a simulated game at Toronto’s alternate training site in Rochester, N.Y., on Monday. Manager Charlie Montoyo said that Bichette felt good and lined a few balls back up the middle, but his next challenge will be playing the field.

Bichette is expected to play about five innings of defense on Tuesday, at which point the Blue Jays will have a clearer picture on his return. This coming weekend against the Mets would be ideal, but they’ll have to play it slow.

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“I’m optimistic,” Montoyo said. “I don’t know when, because he’s going to have to go day to day and see how he feels. Today when he plays the field for the first time, so we’ll see how he recovers from that. So I’m optimistic that it could be sometime on the weekend.”

Ken Giles threw another live BP session on Tuesday and “felt good” Montoyo said, but the big test will come tomorrow when they see how their star closer is feeling physically. If all signs are good, he could be activated by this weekend, as well.

Big opportunity for Davis

With Teoscar Hernández on the IL with an oblique injury, Jonathan Davis is the next in line for outfield reps and has always been a favorite of Montoyo’s for his defensive abilities. Back in Spring Training, Montoyo called Davis the club’s best defensive outfielder.

“If he hits just OK, he could be in the big leagues for 10 to 12 years,” Montoyo said. “He can be that kind of player. He’s going to get a chance now to see what he can do.”

Davis will be the primary backup in center field for now, if Randal Grichuk needs a day off, and should also be used off the bench for his speed on the bases.