The Toronto Blue Jays failed to secure a series victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, as they fell to Minnesota 4-3, which ended the four-game set tied. This would have been Toronto's fourth consecutive series win after taking two games from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Boston Red Sox.
One of the biggest moments of the game came in the top of the sixth inning, as the Blue Jays trailed 4-1 with the bases loaded and two outs. Catcher Tyler Heineman stepped up with the chance to cut into the deficit, but he flied out to end the frame.
In the ensuing half inning, Heineman was benched by manager John Schneider, who replaced the catcher with Brandon Valenzuela.
© Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Heineman and Valenzuela have been splitting time behind the plate with everyday catcher Alejandro Kirk out due to injury. This has given the pair many more opportunities than expected early in the year.
After the game, Schneider called the move to take Heineman out of the game a "manager's decision," and there was no injury, according to MLB.com reporter Keegan Matheson.
Heineman also spoke on the decision, but he only spoke highly of his manager.
"I think it’s just the situation, everything that’s been going on," Heineman said, per Matheson. "I just didn’t get it done. It’s the manager’s decision. I stick by it. He’s one of the best managers in the game and the best manager I’ve played for."
Heineman also elaborated on his at-bat in the sixth inning with the bases loaded, calling his plate appearance "pretty trash," Matheson said.
The 34-year-old catcher has struggled lately at the plate when given the opportunity. Including his 0-3 effort at the plate on Sunday, Heineman has secured just three hits in his past 34 at-bats. As for Valenzuela, he has been swinging a hot bat with four hits in his past three games going into Sunday.
After Sunday's benching of Heineman and Kirk's return on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how Schneider and the Blue Jays handle the backstop situation going forward.
