Like many other managers, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider knows that his decisions aren’t always going to be popular ones.

In Game 1 of the 2025 American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, Schneider was faced with one of his biggest ones as a manager yet.

Facing a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning, Schneider had the choice to keep starting pitcher Kevin Gausman in the game after he’d given up just three hits and one run, or yank him out to avoid further damage.

Gausman was pulled for reliever Brendon Little after 76 pitches, 5.2 innings into the game. The only run Gausman surrendered while on the mound was a solo homer to MVP favourite Cal Raleigh, who led the major leagues with 60 regular season home runs.

The next plate appearance, Gausman walked Julio Rodrig

See Full Page