The Toronto Blue Jays waived pitcher Anthony Bass on Friday, a day after the right-handed reliever said he didn’t find an anti-LGBTQ+ post he shared on social media hateful.
The move came hours before Bass received the ceremonial first pitch from Toronto LGBTQ+ activist LeZlie Lee Kam ahead of Friday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, when the Blue Jays kick off their fourth annual celebratory weekend.
The team now has seven days to trade Bass or place him on waiver.
Bass apologized on May 30, the day after he shared a message on his Instagram account calling for a boycott of Target and Bud Light because of their support of the LGBTQ+ community. Both companies are dealing with the fallout from these campaigns, which have resulted in hostile and homophobic criticism, as well as calls from LGBTQ+ activists not to give in to the pressure.
Bass, who has been booed by Toronto fans in his two home appearances since the apology, spoke to a group of media ahead of Thursday’s win over Houston, saying he was sticking to his “personal beliefs”.
He also said he was “working hard” to educate himself, including meeting with the executive director of activist group Pride Toronto.
Bass, 35, is a 12-year veteran who also played in Japan. He is 0-0 with a 4.95 ERA in 22 games.
