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Blue Jays Bench Catcher Tyler Heineman in Sixth-Inning 'Manager’s Decision'

The move signals a short leash at catcher before Alejandro Kirk’s possible late-May or early-June return.

Overview

  • John Schneider removed Tyler Heineman after a bases-loaded pop-up in the sixth on Sunday and called it a manager’s decision with no injury involved.
  • Heineman went 0-for-3, owns a .398 OPS, and said he “didn’t get it done,” adding that he supports Schneider’s choice.
  • Rookie Brandon Valenzuela took over behind the plate and has shown some pop with two home runs in his last three starts, according to MLB.com.
  • The Blue Jays lost 4-3 to the Twins to split the four-game series, adding pressure to a team that opened 16-18 after high 2025 expectations.
  • Alejandro Kirk has been out since April 4 with a broken thumb and is progressing toward a late-May or early-June return, which would force a decision on the backup catcher role.