Blue Jays’ Alejandro Kirk Replacement Offers 4-Word Response On ‘Trash’ Punishment

Toronto Blue Jays Backstop Offers 4-Word Response On Manager John Schneider After Punishment

Ultimately, though, Heineman seemed to understand Schneider’s decision.

“I stick by it,” he responded, per Matheson. “He’s one of the best managers in the game and the best manager I’ve played for. He has a reason for everything he does and I fully support it.”

While Heineman’s support of Schneider’s decision can be appreciated, the Blue Jays will need some better results from the catcher position with All-Star backstop Alejandro Kirk still recovering from surgery.

Heineman has slashed just .176/.222/.176 in 51 at-bats as his replacement, while his fellow backup, Brandon Valenzuela has a .205/.255/.409 line in 44 at-bats. Though that slash line isn’t as strong as what the team is used to from Kirk, it does suggest that Valenzuela has more upside than Heineman and Sunday’s benching could be a sign that Schneider will be making a change in the primary backup to Kirk.

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Valenzuela, a rookie who has also been impressive defensively in his opportunities, could now be in line for more starts while Kirk continues to recover. Then, when the incumbent everyday catcher does return, Schneider could stick with the rookie over Heineman as the primary backup.

“When Alejandro Kirk returns from a broken thumb, will the team stick with Heineman as backup or go with the rookie Valenzuela?” Rob Longley asked for the Toronto Sun. “Heineman’s struggles have only amplified how much the team has missed Kirk’s presence over the 27 games he’s been absent.”

Schneider’s lineups in the coming days could offer a big clue as to which backstop he considers to be the most valuable substitute for Kirk as he works his way back.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com