Charlie Montoyo
The Toronto Blue Jays had returned to the postseason in 2020, a trek that was supposed to be a stepping stone for the present year. Their young roster had tasted MLB success, and were hungry for more.
It certainly helped that the Blue Jays have a manager that the roster believes in. Charlie Montoyo has the faith of the young team, as they are willing to run through a wall for him. That confidence, and the loyalty that he inspires, are certainly remarkable.
But there comes a time when the results have to come. While it is admirable that the Blue Jays players have that much respect for Montoyo, the Blue Jays need to show more. Their 64-58 record may be solid, but they are also 11.5 games out of first in the AL East and 4.5 games behind in the chase for the Wild Card.
Some of those issues have not been Montoyo’s fault. The bullpen has been a disaster all season, leaving him to cobble together the final few innings. However, continuing to send out the likes of Rafael Dolis and Tyler Chatwood in high leverage situations shows a lack of awareness. He can only play with the cards he was dealt, but that does not mean roles cannot change.
That may be Charlie Montoyo’s undoing. The mutual loyalty is admirable, but the results have not been there in the standings.