TORONTO — John Schneider isn't backing down from the way he commanded the Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen in a crushing 6-2 loss to Seattle in the American League Championship Series on Friday.
Schneider decided to go with inconsistent relief pitcher Brandon Little against Mariners MVP candidate Cal Raleigh with Toronto holding a slim 2–1 lead in Game 5 of the best-of-seven playoff series.
Raleigh scored to tie the game, then Little drew two walks. Ceranthony Dominguez came out of the Blue Jays bullpen next and hit Randy Arozarena with a pitch to load the bases and then hit a grand slam to Eugenio Suarez to open the game for Seattle.
The Mariners hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, a win away from reaching the World Series for the first time.
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After the game, Schneider said he trusted Little and Dominguez, a position he doubled down on Saturday.
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“We got to where we are because of every guy on our team,” Schneider said at a news conference during additional practices at the Rogers Center. “I can sit here and say it's not a mistake and you guys will all write that I said it's not a mistake and I'll get crushed on social media for it. I understand.”
He went on to explain that he was thinking about using Little against a tough outfielder like Raleigh instead of using a pitcher accustomed to higher leverage situations.
“I trust my players. I trust my players,” Schneider said. “Looking back, I realize I had a few more options. That's what I decided to do. So, again, I have all the information I needed and I don't think I made a mistake.
“Players have to go on the field. There's always a risk when you put a player in a situation where he won't do his job. It's part of the game.”
When asked if Jeff Hoffman was ready to play Friday, Schneider responded briefly, “Yes, he's in the lineup.”
Schneider said having to ignore past “what if” scenarios is part of the job of a Major League Baseball manager.
“I regret every decision you make that doesn't work out. Do you know what I mean?” – said Schneider. “It doesn't matter who it is. Whether it's a hitter, a hitter, a pitcher, a starting pitcher, it's part of the job, you know.
“There's always what-ifs. You know what I mean? There's always what-ifs in this game. I think you learn from them. You trust the people around you when you make decisions. You accept them and move on. That's where I agree with it.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
