As Toronto shifts in a new direction in an effort to salvage a season that abruptly turned sour in July, the Charlie Montoyo era is done.
The Blue Jays announced on Wednesday that manager Montoyo had been fired and that bench coach John Schneider will take over as interim manager. Casey Candaele, the captain of Triple-A Buffalo, has been named interim bench coach.
Toronto had a strong start to the season but has only managed three victories in July after returning from a 1-6 road trip that included a Mariners’ four-game sweep. After Tuesday’s 4-3 victory over the Phillies at Rogers Centre, Montoyo announced his resignation.
General Manager Ross Atkins didn’t hesitate to accept responsibility for this situation in his Wednesday speech, even though it all looked so avoidable just two weeks prior.
Atkins remarked, “I really wanted this to work with Charlie but wasn’t able to make that happen.” “I’m quite disappointed with the situation. I believe we are more capable than how we have played. Although there have been many positive individual developments, I believe our teamwork may be improved. Having said that, we as a society have suffered a setback, and it all begins with me. I must take the biggest responsibility for that, and Charlie Montoyo has my utmost respect.
The 46-42 Blue Jays are in fourth place in the AL East and the newly formed third Wild Card berth in the American League. They are postseason hopefuls.
Atkins avoided delving into the specifics of this choice, but it is obvious that it wasn’t decided right away. It’s also obvious that this action is being taken in the hopes of resolving a much bigger problem, or a set of problems.
