The stakes for the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 162 just got a little higher.

Star shortstop Bo Bichette is “pretty unlikely” to be able to return for a possible wild-card series, manager John Schneider told reporters on Sunday.

However, if the Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Rays in Sunday’s regular-season finale, they’d get a bye past the first round altogether.

Bichette has been sidelined since Sept. 6 with a knee sprain.

The 27-year-old was in the midst of a resurgent season at the plate, slashing .311/.357/.483 through 139 games while leading MLB in hits and doubles.

Toronto’s contest against Tampa Bay starts at 3 p.m. ET / noon PT Sunday, with live coverage available on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

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