Controversial relief pitcher Anthony Bass was named Friday by the Blue Jays after he came under fire for an anti-LGBTQ+ social media post.
The move was in response to the Blue Jays returning Mitch White from the 60-day disabled list.
In late May, Bass, 35, reposted a video on his Instagram story discussing “biblical reasons why Christians should boycott Target and Bud Light” as the LGBTQ+ campaign continues.
The Blue Jays were supposed to throw the first pitch before the Blue Jays’ game against the Twins on Friday night, when they kick off their Pride Weekend celebrations, but it appears that they changed course just hours before game time.
Bass has been heavily criticized by fans, who were booed at the Rogers Center shortly after the message.
He eventually apologized after sharing the post on his Instagram story.
“I’ll do it quickly.” Bass told reporters. “I am aware of my post yesterday that hurt the Pride community, including my friends and immediate family, and I am truly sorry.
“I just spoke with my teammates and shared what I did yesterday. I apologize. [to] And at this point, I’m using the resources of the Blue Jays to better educate myself to make better decisions in the future. Baseball fields belong to everyone. We want to welcome everyone, including all the fans at the ballpark. ”
In response to Bass’s post, a Blue Jays spokesperson told Toronto’s City News that “the sentiments of individual players do not represent the beliefs of the club.”
Bass also met with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste on Tuesday and plans to pitch Friday’s first pitch, reported Thursday.
Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins told reporters. “It was part of baseball’s decision,” he said on Friday, but added that “the distraction factor was part of it.”
Bass has appeared in 22 games for the bullpen this season, posting a 4.95 ERA.
