Date: October 26, 2025
Opponent: Los Angeles Dodgers
As the Blue Jays prepare for Game 3 of the World Series, manager John Schneider spoke to reporters in Los Angeles about Bo Bichette’s health, managing the bullpen through three straight games, and what defines “Blue Jays baseball.”
On the Team’s Travel and Mindset
“Pretty normal — card games, lost a little bit of money. We talked about tomorrow night’s game and what we’ve got ahead of us. Long flight, but pretty normal. Guys are resilient. They move on to the next thing.”
On Bo Bichette’s Availability
“He’s doing well. Expect him to be in there. He’s out here working out today and felt good coming out of yesterday. Each day he’s getting as close to normal as he can this stage of the year. The fact that he’s working out today is a good sign.”
On the Team’s Offense and Facing Yamamoto
“It was a really good game by a really good pitcher. Up to that point we’ve been pretty consistent. These things happen — it’s the two best teams left. He was on his game yesterday. As a whole, I love what we’ve been doing throughout the postseason and expect us to keep doing it.”
On the Importance of Starting Pitching and Bullpen Use
“With three games in three days, you want to see their bullpen early and avoid them getting to ours early. At this point it’s all hands on deck. Everyone will be able to throw three days in a row. Starting pitching is going to be important for both sides, and guys who can throw multiple innings are going to matter in these next three days.”
On Max’s Mindset Heading Into Game 3
“We were just talking earlier today — he’s got a really good idea of how he’s feeling and what the game state may be and how to react. Going to try to avoid any mound visits with Max tomorrow.”
On the Connection with Blue Jays Fans
“We feel it all the time. Being a team that represents a country, it’s awesome to see fans outside Rogers Centre cheering us on. We don’t take it for granted. It kind of shows what kind of fan base and support we have.”
On Managing Three Straight Games and the ‘Circle of Trust’
“We were fortunate in the ALCS with starters getting deep in games. You want that to happen again to save some arms. I trust everyone that’s on the roster and we’re probably going to need everyone when you’re playing three in a row. It starts on the mound with the starter — even saving one inning here or there for a bullpen guy is huge.”
On Familiarity in a Long Series
“It’s well documented that being familiar with a starter or reliever matters in a long series. We saw it with Seattle — certain at-bats can be affected. That’s where the adjustments and gamesmanship come in. You have to be able to adapt, show a guy a different look, a different pitch, a different location.”
On Louis Varland’s Role Out of the Bullpen
“Based on how he was used in Minnesota, that’s what we liked about him — a guy who can go up and down, finish an inning, and go back out maintaining his stuff. He’s valuable. I have no problem with him closing a game or starting one. Valuable is an understatement.”
On Facing the Dodgers’ Experience and Max Scherzer’s Composure
“That’s kind of why we lined him up for tomorrow. You feel good that he can absorb the situation, the atmosphere, and then get to competing and locating. We’re fortunate to have those guys, and you throw Trey in there, too. Having the other guys around him helps.”
On Defining ‘Blue Jays Baseball’
“Watch Game 1 — that’s kind of us. Everyone doing their job, playing the game the right way, understanding situations, pulling for one another, and being ready to contribute. We can score in different ways — it’s a creative, balanced, and unique offensive approach.”
On What He Hopes Players Around the League Notice About Toronto
“I hope and I know people recognize how we play the game, how we use everyone on our roster, and how we keep people involved. Facilities are second to none, fan base is second to none, and I’m proud of the fact that it’s clear what we stand for and what we value.”
On Mookie Betts and the Dodgers’ Versatility
“I’ve always respected him — going back to when he was with the Red Sox. He makes playing shortstop look easy for a Gold Glover in right field. He’s just consistent. Understands the speed of the game, understands big moments. Any manager feels confident writing his name in the lineup every day.”
On Bo Bichette’s Position for Game 3
“He’s going to play second base tomorrow.”
On Watching Shohei Ohtani
“If I’m awake. They’re three hours behind us. I’m always watching baseball, but if it’s time to hit the rack and he’s coming up to lead off the next inning, I’m asleep.”
Pulse Takeaway
Schneider’s tone reflected calm confidence. He knows his club is facing an elite Dodgers team, but he continues to project belief in their balance, resilience, and adaptability — the same traits that have carried Toronto to its first World Series appearance since 1993.