Schneider doing a lot of managing as Jays continue to deal with injuries

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, June 25, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider is managing injuries to key players like second baseman Ernie Clement and pitcher Cody Ponce, leading to challenging lineup and bullpen decisions early in the 2026 season. With the bullpen heavily taxed—throwing the second-most innings in the American League—Schneider is prioritizing player health to maintain competitiveness while protecting their long-term performance.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider is navigating a challenging start to the 2026 season as the team contends with a host of injuries that have impacted lineup decisions and bullpen usage. With several players sidelined due to varying degrees of ailments, Schneider has had to make difficult calls regarding playing time and roster management.

One notable absence in recent games has been second baseman Ernie Clement, who did not appear in the Blue Jays’ lineup for a second consecutive game on Wednesday due to a sore hip. Despite a strong season—Clement is batting .293, leads the team with 86 hits and 20 doubles, and is tied for the lead in total bases with 129—Schneider opted to give him rest as a precautionary measure. Clement is considered a candidate to start for the American League in the upcoming All-Star game, making his health a priority for the club.

“Sometimes you have to kind of protect them from themselves,” Schneider said in reference to managing players’ injuries and pain tolerance. Athletic competitiveness often compels players to push through discomfort, potentially exacerbating their conditions, he explained.

The pitching staff has also experienced significant strain. Starting pitcher Cody Ponce, who suffered a right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain during his initial appearance with the Blue Jays in early April, remains out following surgery that sidelined him for the season. Although Ponce continues his rehabilitation at the team’s training facility in Dunedin, Florida, he was present at the Rogers Centre clubhouse on Wednesday to maintain team involvement and morale. Schneider noted the importance of integrating injured players into the team environment to support recovery.

The bullpen, a key area of concern for Toronto, was heavily utilized during Tuesday’s 9-7 extra-innings loss to the Houston Astros. The team deployed seven pitchers during that contest, relying heavily on relievers as starting pitchers have struggled to complete deep innings. Among those available besides the starters were Louis Varland and Simeon Woods Richardson, though workload considerations limited their usage. Varland, who earned his 16th save on Monday after pitching two innings, was given a day off, while Woods Richardson was held in reserve for potential long relief in Wednesday’s game.

Reliever Mason Fluharty has been a workhorse, leading the American League with 42 appearances through 81 games. Braydon Fisher is second with 40, and both Tyler Rogers and Varland have been called upon frequently as well. The Blue Jays’ bullpen has thrown 343 innings so far this season, second-most in the AL behind the Chicago White Sox’s 353.1 innings.

Despite the heavy workload, Schneider praised his relievers for their professionalism and willingness to pitch regularly. “Everyone can’t pitch every day,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to monitoring player fatigue and health.

As the Blue Jays push forward amid these challenges, Schneider faces the ongoing task of balancing immediate competitive needs with long-term player well-being.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.