Bichette still out, Scherzer and Bassitt active for Blue Jays in ALCS against Mariners

Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette will not return to the Toronto lineup for the American League Championship Series against Seattle.

He was left off the team's 26-man roster that was released Sunday morning. Bichette hasn't played since suffering a left knee sprain five weeks ago.

Game 1 was scheduled for Sunday night at Rogers Centre.

Veteran right-handers Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt made the cut after sitting out the A-L Division Series. Relievers Tommy Nance and Justin Bruihl played in the last round but were not included on the roster for this series.

Bichette appeared to be moving closer to a potential return but was in obvious discomfort on Saturday when he tried baserunning drills.

Toronto is coming off a four-game win over the New York Yankees. Seattle went the distance against the Detroit Tigers, closing out that series with a marathon 15-inning win on Friday night.

The Blue Jays are making their first ALCS appearance since 2016.

Game 2 was scheduled for Monday at Rogers Centre. The best-of-seven series will shift to Seattle for Game 3 on Wednesday.