TORONTO, ON – JUNE 23: Davis Schneider #36 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on from the dugout prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on June 23, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Blue Jays have been eager to return to the diamond and make up for a disappointing World Series loss last year.
But the Blue Jays will be one of a few teams that have to wait until Friday to get its season underway.
“The Toronto Blue Jays will open their 2026 season a day later than originally planned,” TSN reported late last year. “A reason for the switch was not provided. But given the surge in the Blue Jays’ nationwide popularity during their run to last year’s World Series, a Friday night opener would likely better capitalize on the buzz around the team.”
Toronto Blue Jays GM Sends David Schneider Message After Roster Decision
The later Opening Day might test the patience of some fans, but it gave the team an opportunity to hold a final workout on Thursday and to detail its final roster move before the season began. And, as most of Major League Baseball enjoyed their first games of the season, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins explained the team’s decision to include Davis Schneider on the 26-man roster with a message about just how close the competition for the final bench spot had been.
“We’re always going to factor in depth and the potential of keeping options and chances to win a game today, so tough decision,” Atkins said, according to the Toronto Star’s Mike Wilner. “It felt like we were covered enough, and that Davis had earned it.”
Schneider, who has played a significant role on the big-league Blue Jays’ roster for the past three seasons, endured a brutal Spring Training at the plate and seemed in danger of losing his spot to 24-year-old Leo Jimenez.
Toronto Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement Responds To Davis Schneider Roster Decision
Instead, Atkins believes Davis has “earned” his role through previous contributions. Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement detailed those contributions when he responded to Atkins’ decision.
“It’s more a testament to Davis as a baseball player,” Clement said, per Wilner. “We’re at the point where we need the 26 best baseball players and clubhouse guys that we can get, and Davis is absolutely one of them … That’s somebody we need in this clubhouse and we need on the team to compete. He’s going to do that. He does such a good job in whatever role is asked of him.”
Schneider only appeared in 82 games for the team last year, but he made starts in both left field and second base, offering some important versatility and depth. It seems that, as the team pursues a return to the World Series, they value those contributions even if Schneider was close to losing his spot.
