John Schneider, the interim manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, has a simple recipe that he hopes his team can stick to through the end of the MLB regular season.
Schneider listed the ingredients in his Rogers Center office on Wednesday, the day before the Blue Jays set off on a long road trip. A good starting pitcher, consistent offensive input, flawless defense and staying healthy were on the menu.
“Maybe not in that order, necessarily,” laughed Schneider. But I think these things are essential if we want to continue playing at the end of the season. »
After taking the day off Thursday, the Blue Jays begin their longest road trip of the season with an early Friday night showdown in Pittsburgh against the Pirates (49-81). After three games at PNC Park, the Queen City club will have a doubleheader in Baltimore to start a four-game series against the Orioles.
A three-game series against the Texas Rangers in Arlington will complete the trip.
Schneider said being proactive is the best way to physically prepare a team for a long trip. For example, in Wednesday night’s loss to the Chicago Cubs (7-5), he moved star player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to the designated hitter position instead of his usual first baseman position.
“There’s also a time when you say, ‘it’s okay guys, it’s September, if you’re tired, so be it’, everyone is tired,” Schneider said. You watch the matchups, you’re not just going to say, “Here’s a day off because you’re tired.” If they need it, yes, of course, but it’s basically a matter of stepping on the gas and managing what we do before games accordingly. »
The Blue Jays are the third and final team drafted in the AL heading into Thursday’s game. This road trip is crucial to the Blue Jays’ chances of making the playoffs, especially the series against the Orioles, as the Baltimore club is only two games behind Team Canada.
The Blue Jays will get a fresh start in September after a disappointing August. They finished with a 13-14 record in August, their lowest winning percentage in a month in the 2022 season.
“We look forward to this challenge,” said Schneider. That’s what you play for. That’s what we play for, isn’t it? To play meaningful games in September and hopefully beyond.
“It’s a great opportunity for the whole group. »
Alek Manoah (12-7) will start for the Blue Jays on Friday against the Pirates. Schneider said juggling his roster, especially with Monday’s doubleheader, will be one of the challenges of the trip.
