Bo Bichette

As Bo Bichette was placed on the IL, Toronto decided to call up its No. 2 prospect and one of the best young bats in its system.

Bichette hasn't played since June 14 while dealing with a sore calf. Martinez joins the roster for what would be his MLB debut.

The Blue Jays don't believe the jacket is magic, but it helps with morale. "When guys are pulling in the same direction, it's a good thing.”

"We believe in that there is time left, but there is a massive sense of urgency and we need to get it turned around soon," Atkins said.

Bichette has goals for himself and his teammates: "We just got to be better in our competitiveness, our preparation and day-to-day focus."

Anything can happen at this time of year and teams are asking, but which conversations are actually progressing.

For the second straight year and the third time in four seasons, the Blue Jays will face an elimination Game 2.

With the AL wild-card race constantly in flux, all the Blue Jays can do is focus on winning their games, as they have in their last four.

The Blue Jays have finished strong in each of the past two seasons. A healthy Bichette could help them do that again.

Toronto optioned infielder Mason McCoy to Triple A in a corresponding move Friday.

If Toronto can win its next two games against lowly teams, it can guarantee a postseason position by the time it returns home.

The pressing questions facing the Blue Jays as they navigate the challenge of losing Bichette to another injury.

Bo Bichette last went on the 10-day IL on July 31 with right knee patellar tendonitis.

Kikuchi began his turnaround in June but has been especially dominant in the second half. And Bo Bichette is close to a return from the IL.

If Bichette has to miss significant time, the Jays may suddenly be in need of a replacement at shortstop just hours before the deadline.

John Schneider told reporters Wednesday the team will take it day by day and is unsure how long Bichette's IL stint will be.

The Blue Jays have their best record going into the All-Star break since 2016, but they feel like they can be even better down the stretch.

Breaking down the Blue Jays' first-half MVP, pleasant surprises, promising and concerning trends, and more.