(Toronto) Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said it was manager John Schneider who decided to call up Minnesota’s Jose Berrios on Wednesday in the first-round game that ended Toronto’s season.
With the score 0-0, Berrios was relieved after walking the Twins’ leadoff hitter to fourth.
Berrios had given up three singles, including one to the infield, when he was replaced by left-hander Yusei Kikuchi.
He had thrown just 47 pitches and struck out five batters.
The Twins scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth and won 2-0, eliminating the Jays in two straight games.
Speaking to reporters Saturday at the Rogers Center, Atkins said he was surprised by the decision regarding Berrios.
He also rejected the theory that the decision was influenced by the team’s senior management.
He described Schneider’s decision as “courageous,” adding that it was not the reason Toronto lost the game.
Atkins also mentioned that Schneider would return as head coach in 2024.
