Back-to-back losses in a doubleheader paled in comparison to off-field concerns for the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.
Francisco Mejia had a two-run homer in the second inning and a solo shot in the fifth to lead Tampa Bay to an 11-5 rout of the Blue Jays hours after Isaac Paredes and Wander Franco each had a solo home run as the Rays won the first game 6-2.
Toronto first base coach Mark Budzinski left the second game early, with manager Charlie Montoyo repeatedly leaving the dugout for the clubhouse during the game. Bench coach John Schneider filled in as manager during Montoyo’s brief absences.
The Blue Jays closed their clubhouse after the game and cancelled their post-game media availabilities.
“As many of you are aware, Mark Budzinski left early in the game tonight,” read a statement from the team. “He is dealing with a personal matter and Charlie and our coaches are with him.
“Out of consideration for Bud, we ask that you please respect his privacy at this time. Thank you.”
#PLAKATA Number 19 pic.twitter.com/7I65Mwor3q
—@BlueJays
The Blue Jays also had a scary moment in the second inning of the first game when starting pitcher Kevin Gausman took a sharply hit ball off of his right ankle.
He lay prone on the turf in front of the mound as catcher Gabriel Moreno completed the play. After the out trainers came to examine Gausman on the field before helping him to the clubhouse.
His X-rays came back negative and Montoyo said between the games that the pitcher had a contusion.
“Just like everybody else, I was hoping that it wasn’t anything worse than a contusion and that’s what had happened and that’s good news,” said Montoyo, who said Gausman would be considered day-to-day.
Kevin Gausman was removed from the game after getting hit in the leg with a comebacker pic.twitter.com/XVVFXAx1tR
—@TalkinBaseball_
Paredes added a three-run homer and an RBI double in the late game as Tampa (42-36) earned back-to-back wins.
Starter Drew Rasmussen allowed two runs — one earned — on five hits and two walks over 4 2/3 innings. Reliever Dusten Knight allowed three runs over 2 1/3 innings and Ralph Garza Jr. earned the win, pitching scoreless ball the rest of the way.
Bradley Zimmer had a two-run homer for Toronto (44-35) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. added a solo bomb.
Thomas Hatch (0-1) coughed up 10 runs on 12 hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings. Matt Gage, Sergio Romo, Tim Mayza and Adam Cimber came on in relief, with Gage allowing a run.
Tampa had lost four straight heading into Saturday’s doubleheader, including losses in Toronto on Thursday and Friday.
“That was an exciting day. We had to find a way to bounce back, we did,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “It kind of all came together for us through the course of a long day.
“It’s tough to win both games of a doubleheader, so really proud and impressed with the guys.”
Budzinski exits early due to ‘personal matter’
Toronto Blue Jays first base coach Mark Budzinski and manager Charlie Montoyo left in the third inning of Game 2 on Saturday because of a personal matter involving Budzinski, the team said.
The Blue Jays’ clubhouse was closed after the loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Toronto released a brief statement addressing the situation.
“As many of you are aware, Mark Budzinski left early in the game tonight,” the statement read. “He is dealing with a personal matter and Charlie and our coaches are with him. Out of consideration for Bud, we ask that you please respect his privacy at this time.”
Montoyo and Budzinski had a brief huddle with the coaching staff before leaving the dugout. Bench coach John Schneider replaced Montoyo and bullpen catcher Luis Hurtado coached first.
Budzinski played four games for Cincinnati in 2003 and retired in 2005. After managing in Cleveland’s minor league system, he joined their big league staff in 2017. Toronto hired Budzinski in November 2018.
Roster moves
Casey Lawrence was recalled from triple-A as the 27th man for both games of the doubleheader. He pitched 5 2/3 innings of relief in Saturday’s first game, allowing six runs to take the loss. Relief pitcher Max Castillo was sent down to triple-A between games to make space for Hatch on Toronto’s roster.
The Blue Jays announced a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for left-handed pitcher Anthony Banda during the first game of the doubleheader. Toronto sent cash considerations to Pittsburgh in return. Righty Julian Merryweather was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
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