Schneider Smashes Another Homer as Blue Jays Close Gap in AL Wild Card Race

John Schneider puts umpire on blast after controversial delayed-strike call in World Series Game 3 LOS ANGELES — Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider did not mince words after a bizarre delayed-strike sequence helped swing momentum to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium. The skipper called the ruling “deliberate” and urged Major League Baseball to “let the players decide the championship” after plate umpire Manny Wegner signaled strike three seconds after Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had already broken toward first, thinking he had drawn ball four. Schneider’s fiery exchange with Wegner between innings was caught by national cameras and quickly went viral. “That pause changed the whole at-bat, the whole inning, maybe the whole game,” he said post-game, visibly frustrated. “We’re on the biggest stage. Calls need to be clear and immediate. Let the players decide,” he reiterated, doubling down on comments he first delivered in the dugout tunnel. The disputed strikeout came with two on and none out in the second inning of a scoreless contest. Instead of a potential bases-loaded threat for Toronto, the inning fizzled, and the Dodgers capitalized with a three-run frame in the bottom half. L.A. went on to win 5-3, taking a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven Fall Classic. Toronto’s clubhouse echoed its manager’s sentiment. Shortstop Bo Bichette, making his first start since tweaking his hamstring in Game 1, called the delay “mind-boggling.” Guerrero Jr. added, “I thought it was ball four; everybody did. You reset, but you can’t erase that moment.” The league office had not issued an official statement as of early Tuesday morning, but sources indicated the incident will be reviewed. While MLB often assesses ball-and-strike disputes internally, the high-stakes context could prompt a public clarification. Schneider’s rant also reignited debate over the introduction of an automated strike zone. Critics argue that human nuance is vital; supporters believe technology would erase inconsistencies like Monday’s lag. Looking ahead to Game 4, Schneider confirmed that right-hander José Berríos will stay on schedule, and he expects Bichette to remain in the lineup. “We’ve taken punches all year,” the manager said. “We’ll answer back.” SEO keywords: John Schneider, Toronto Blue Jays, World Series Game 3, delayed strike call, umpire Manny Wegner, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette injury update, automated strike zone debate, Dodgers vs Blue Jays 2025.