Blue Jays option Davis Schneider to Triple-A Buffalo | Forum

The Blue Jays optioned Davis Schneider to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, the first of what could be multiple outfield moves as Daulton Varsho nears his return. May 2 is City Connect Bassitt-Ball Replica Jersey Giveaway: Get your tickets now!Schneider started the season just 1-for-15 at the plate, so there's no mystery behind why this move was made given the role the Blue Jays were hoping he'd fill early in the season Mike Matheny Jersey. This creates an open spot for Nathan Lukes, who is due to return from the paternity list in time for Friday's game against the Mariners.Coming off an excellent Spring Training, Schneider cracked the roster as a part-time player who still projected to have a very valuable role. At his best, Schneider can crush left-handed pitching and provide legitimate power, both of which are excellent fits in this Blue Jays lineup, but neither came. Over the past week, the team was giving some of those late-game opportunities against lefty pitching to other hitters https://www.shopteambluejays.com/296-Richard_Lovelady_Jersey.It's been a challenging year for Schneider, who became an instant fan favorite with his historic debut in 2023, which also carried over into the early months of 24. There's a reason the organization stuck with Schneider through those struggles in late 24, though, as he's one of this organization's better success stories, a 28th-round pick out of high school in 2017.Schneider has plenty of fans in the front office and on the coaching staff, too, but with the Blue Jays off to an 11-8 start in a crucial year, he'll now head to the Minors to dig out of this funk.Beyond Lukes, the Blue Jays' outfield could be shuffled again over the next week or two when Varsho returns from his right shoulder rehab. He's expected to begin playing in rehab games with Single-A Dunedin soon, then make a quick stop in Buffalo himself before rejoining the Blue Jays.It feels like Myles Straw has played his way into a more permanent role on this roster, which has been one of the best surprises of the season in Toronto, but Lukes or the recently promoted Addison Barger could feel the squeeze when Varsho is ready to man center every day.Schneider's time in Triple-A should be a valuable opportunity to exhale and rebound, because when that happens, the Blue Jays will need him.Manager John Schneider and the Toronto staff are being more aggressive this season with pinch-hitting and chasing platoons, which makes the role of a lefty masher so much more valuable, particularly in their bottom third. This is a detour for the 26-year-old, who can still be an important part of the Blue Jays' success in 2025 and beyond.