Opinion | Fire John Schneider? Blue Jays fans are pointing their fingers at the wrong person
The Blue Jays were riding high a little more than a week ago. They had won four of five games and, at 12-8, were only a game shy of having the best record in the American League. They were garnering praise for scratching out runs and winning games with an offensive profile we all knew was unsustainable.
They went from 12-8 to 13-15 with seven losses in eight games, each one featuring its own brand of ugly, and now the predictable “fire the manager” calls are starting to come.
Blue Jays’ John Schneider Announces Decision Before Red Sox Game
As the Toronto Blue Jays approach the end of April, their season has been a mix of highs and lows. With a current record of 13-15, they find themselves in fourth place in the competitive American League East division. The team has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency, particularly with their offensive production. One player the Blue Jays hope can step up is Addison Barger. Primarily utilized in the outfield this season, Barger has appeared in eight games in right field and one at third base. His versatility and athleticism could provide the team with much-needed flexibility going forward.
So far this season, Barger is batting .217 with 2 RBIs. In his last seven games, he has improved, hitting .313 with a .353 on-base percentage and a .500 slugging percentage.
Recognizing the need to optimize their lineup and capitalize on Barger’s hot streak, Blue Jays’ manager John Schneider has seemingly decided to increase his playing time at third base, especially against right-handed pitchers (via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com).
This move is part of the Blue Jays’ broader strategy to adapt and find the right combinations that will lead to more consistent performances, particularly offensively. As the Blue Jays begin their series against the Red Sox, they hope that these adjustments will pay dividends. With Barger taking on a more prominent role at third base, the team looks to find the right balance in their lineup to turn their season around and climb the standings in the AL East.