Bateman exits with right hip discomfort after outstanding sliding catch

BALTIMORE -- Brett Bateman left Monday night’s game with right hip discomfort after making a sliding catch in center, one more cruel twist at the end of a frustrating season.

Bateman was racing in on a sinking liner off the bat of Rece Hinds when he slid to make the catch, but his right knee, which was tucking underneath his body for the slide, got caught in grass. Monday’s game was delayed 47 minutes by rain in Baltimore, leaving some of the turf softer after taking on that water, and Bateman’s knee took a divot out of the outfield.

Manager John Schneider and head athletic trainer Jose Ministral raced out to Bateman, who was in clear and immediate pain. Bateman eventually walked off slowly, but needed assistance from Schneider and Ministral to get down the dugout steps, an arm draped across each of their shoulders. Myles Straw entered the game in Bateman’s place.

“It looked like it was his knee or ankle, so we’re glad it wasn’t that,” Schneider said. “He got X-rays, which were negative, and he’s just a little tender. He jammed it pretty good. We’ll take it day by day.”

This Blue Jays season has been defined by injuries, which have decimated this rotation and turned their pitching plans into a clunky, daily puzzle. Among the hitters, the season-long absences of Addison Barger and Anthony Santander have been the headliners, but the loss of Bateman is particularly tough given how well he’s been playing. On a team lacking bright spots, he’s been among the brightest.

It has to be tempting for Schneider to crack, letting the frustrations of this year come pouring out, but he’s never done that when the cameras are on him. That’s his job and one of his talents, being the steady voice amid the chaos. If he cracks, it gives everyone else permission to crack, too.

“Baseball will be baseball,” Schneider said. “You dwell on it a little, but you have to continue to move forward and keep going. It’s tough, it’s frustrating, but you have to keep going.”

Acquired at the Trade Deadline from the Cubs in the Kevin Gausman deal, Bateman’s stock has immediately skyrocketed in Toronto. He spent just a few days in Triple-A Buffalo before being promoted to the Blue Jays, and has since hit .320 with an .807 OPS over 38 games. With excellent defense in center and great speed on the bases, Bateman has brought new life to the Blue Jays’ leadoff spot.

He’s already forced his way into this organization’s plans in 2027, too. The Blue Jays also dealt Daulton Varsho at the Trade Deadline, along with the decision to DFA Jesús Sánchez recently. This outfield is wide open in ‘27 and beyond, and for a club that has long prioritized elite defense in that spot, Bateman’s first impression has exceeded every possible expectation.