Date: October 28, 2025
Source: Dodger Blue (YouTube)
Following a hard-fought Game 4 of the World Series, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider spoke to reporters about Shane Bieber’s composed start, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s game-changing swing, and the bullpen’s reliability led by Mason Fluharty and Louis Varland. Schneider also discussed the confidence he has in Trey Yesavage heading into Game 5 against Blake Snell.
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On Shane Bieber’s Composure and Performance
“It didn’t impact him whatsoever. He came in focused — like a veteran pitcher should — and settled into the game really well. After the sack fly to KK, I thought his breaking stuff got sharper. He made pitches. It was fun to watch him navigate that, and I’m just really happy for him after the last year and a half journey he’s been on. That was awesome.”
On Chris Bassitt Pitching a Second Inning
“That was watching him pitch. Talking to Chris, who I can’t speak highly enough about, he just understands where we are and what last night meant. I liked the matchup — his sinker and breaking ball against that part of the lineup. He wanted to finish it. That just speaks volumes about who he is as a teammate and as a person.”
On What Shane Bieber Means to the Club
“When we acquired Shane, I said he was a move that could elevate our floor but also our ceiling. For a guy who got here at the deadline, he fits right in — a great complement to the starters we already have. It’s not easy, coming from the only team you’ve known, moving countries, but he’s settled in really well. These are the spots we acquired him for. He’s embraced it. He’s been a huge part of us getting here.”
On Mason Fluharty’s Key Inning
“That fifth or sixth inning always seems to be a decision point. When I went to talk to Shane, I asked him how he felt — he deserved that. Then we brought in Flu, and he just did what he’s done all year. Left on left with Muncy, then he made great pitches to Edman. Flu’s been great against righties too. That was probably the biggest spot in the game, and he executed. He’s a very focused individual and was ready to go.”
On Guerrero Jr.’s Home Run off Shohei Ohtani
“I get that it’s easy to write Ohtani versus Guerrero, but for us, it’s Toronto versus Los Angeles. That swing from Vlad was huge — the kind that changes a game. A sweeper like that is designed to generate pop-ups, and Vlad put an elite swing on it. After everything that went into last night and all the attention on Shohei, that swing got us going. It gave us momentum. That was a Blue Jays inning — Varsho, Ernie, everyone — but Vlad’s swing was the game changer.”
On Bo Bichette’s Timely Hitting
“I’ll never count Bo out with a bat in his hands. That single off the wall — that looked like August Bo. He had a plan and executed. The more games he plays, the better he gets. He’s been locked in since the start of the series.”
On Louis Varland’s Reliability
“Lou’s been tremendous — kind of a different animal. It’s not normal to pitch this often and keep your stuff that consistent. He was one guy I really wanted at the deadline. The combo of his stuff and his personality was really intriguing. He’s been nothing short of amazing, and I trust the hell out of him.”
On Confidence Heading Into Game 5
“I feel really good about this team every night. It’s hard to play 18 innings, come back, and flip the narrative against a team as talented as L.A. I feel great with Trey on the mound tomorrow — he understands how we go about it. It’s going to take all 26 again, but I’m confident. Tomorrow’s a new challenge against Snell.”
Pulse Takeaway
Schneider praised the poise of Shane Bieber, the focus of Mason Fluharty, and the reliability of Louis Varland — three arms who have steadied the Jays’ pitching staff during the World Series. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s statement swing against Shohei Ohtani provided the emotional spark Toronto needed to even the series. As Game 5 approaches, confidence remains high with Trey Yesavage on the mound and belief spreading throughout the clubhouse.
Quotes from John Schneider via Dodger Blue (YouTube). Used for analysis and commentary.