Blue Jays minimize pitcher Anthony Bass after newest anti-LGBTQ+ feedback

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays minimize pitcher Anthony Bass on Friday, sooner or later after the right-handed reliever mentioned he didn’t suppose an anti-LGBTQ+ social media submit he shared final month was hateful.

The transfer got here hours earlier than Bass was set to catch a ceremonial first pitch from Toronto LGBTQ+ activist leZlie Lee Kam earlier than Friday’s recreation in opposition to Minnesota because the Blue Jays start their fourth annual Pride Weekend celebration.

The crew now has seven days to commerce Bass or put him on waivers.

Bass apologized earlier than a May 30 recreation in opposition to Milwaukee, sooner or later after sharing a submit on his Instagram calling for anti-LGBTQ+ boycotts of Target and Bud Light over assist they confirmed for the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Both corporations are coping with fallout from these campaigns, which have included hostile and homophobic criticisms and calls from LGBTQ+ activists to not cave to the strain.

Bass, who was booed by Toronto followers in his two residence appearances for the reason that apology, spoke to a bunch of media earlier than Thursday’s win over Houston, saying he stood by his “personal beliefs.”

He additionally mentioned he’s “working hard” to coach himself, together with assembly with the manager director of activist group Pride Toronto.

Bass, 35, is a 12-year veteran who has additionally performed in Japan. He was 0-0 with a 4.95 ERA in 22 video games.

To change Bass, Toronto activated right-hander Mitch White (proper elbow) off the 60-day injured record.

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