Blue Jays' shortstop Bo Bichette was scratched from the lineup against the Astros due to a right forearm contusion after being hit by a pitch in the previous game, affecting his performance this season. Despite returning from the injured list recently, Bichette's batting average stands at .229 with a low OPS of .613, ranking poorly among AL batters. His absence led to Leo Jimenez taking over at shortstop in his MLB debut, with Spencer Horwitz playing second base. The Blue Jays faced a challenge against the Astros without Bichette, aiming to recover from a recent loss.