Blue Jays' Bichette happy to be back after extended IL stint

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is thankful to be back on the diamond after being sidelined for two months with a calf strain.

"I'd love to have some results, obviously, but I kind of feel like I'm ending on a high note already," Bichette said, according to Sportsnet's Ben-Nicholson-Smith. "Really, my ultimate goal here is to have fun playing and enjoy my time."

The two-time All-Star made his long-awaited return to Toronto's lineup in Tuesday night's 13-8 loss to the Texas Rangers.

Bichette, like many of his teammates, has struggled when he has played this season. The career .290 hitter has seen his average dip to .225 while posting an uncharacteristic 71 OPS+ in 81 games.

The 26-year-old believes he's found a new perspective in his time away.

"Probably the biggest thing is I started listening to my dad again," Bichette said. "Everybody gets (to a point) where they want to know better than their parents. I probably got there. But, really getting back to basics and things he's always told me throughout my life. And just, I guess, being quiet."

While Bichette's future in Toronto is undecided - he's slated for free agency after the 2025 season - he remains in good spirits.

"I mean, I'm living my dream here," he said. "There's nothing in the world I'd rather be doing."