TORONTO – Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins expressed confidence in the job John Schneider did this season and backed the interim manager’s decision-making in the team’s recent Game 2 loss to the Seattle Mariners, but said the organization needs more time to work through a final decision regarding its managerial opening.
“We’ve just started that process but I expect it to be difficult to do better than him,” Atkins said.
The Blue Jays went 46-28 under the 42-year-old Schneider, who took over as interim manager after Charlie Montoyo’s dismissal on July 13. However, that strong finish ended in disappointment following a 10-9 loss to Seattle in Toronto on Saturday.
“Obviously we’re not happy with the end result,” Atkins said. “I’m not unaware of how difficult that was for our fan base.”
Meanwhile, Atkins revealed Tuesday that George Springer sustained a concussion and a shoulder sprain in Saturday’s game. It’s possible Springer will also undergo an elbow procedure at some point this winter, though no final decision has been made. Either way, the Blue Jays expect Springer to be fully ready for spring training.
The centre fielder was carted off the field in the eighth inning of Game 2 of the wild-card series Saturday following a high-speed collision with Bo Bichette in shallow centre field. He waved to fans as he left the field and briefly addressed his teammates after the Game 2 loss, but no further details were immediately available.
As for the Blue Jays’ budget, the front office is in the beginning stages of working through their off-season budget proposal for ownership. Atkins said the team has had “nothing but support” from owners at Rogers Communications, Inc., which also owns Sportsnet.