TORONTO — The Blue Jays designated Anthony Bass for assignment on Friday, 11 days after the reliever shared an anti-LGBTQ2S+ Instagram video and just hours before he was expected to catch the ceremonial first pitch on the opening night of Pride Weekend.
Prior to Thursday’s game against the Astros, general manager Ross Atkins spoke with the media in a group setting for the first time since Bass shared the video on May 29. Atkins expressed his belief that Bass’ original apology to him and manager John Schneider had been sincere, and clarified what exactly Bass apologized for.
“For creating any harm and for hurting others,” Atkins said. “That was not his intent. His emotion was very strong, as was mine. I was personally hurt, myself. He felt my disappointment and anger. It was a very charged exchange.”
Soon after Atkins spoke Thursday, Bass himself met with the media in a group setting for the first time since sharing the video. The post, which called for the boycotting of brands such as Target and Bud Light due to their support of the LGBTQ2S+ community, referred to that support as “evil” and “demonic” while calling on people to “take no part” in the targeted businesses.
Bass regretted creating a “distraction” and said that he learned not to share his personal beliefs on social media moving forward, but stood by his personal beliefs, saying only that he can see in hindsight that he “could see how people would view it” as hateful.
“We will continue to work hard to make sure that this is an inclusive environment and one where we will not stand for behavior that makes it otherwise,” Atkins said. “Obviously, things happen that we have to react to, like the case of Anthony Bass. We will react and we will respond. We feel like with his apology and being accountable and taking the steps to become more aware, that we’re one step closer to a more inclusive environment.”
Now, Bass’ time with the organization appears to have come to an end. In a corresponding roster move, the Blue Jays activated Mitch White from the 60-day IL to take Bass’ spot.
Bass struggled to produce value on the mound in 2023 for the Blue Jays, as well, pitching to a 4.95 ERA after a poor start. After entering the season as one of Toronto’s core relievers pitching ahead of Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano on the back end, Bass had been relegated to low-leverage innings.
Atkins is scheduled to address the media again Friday afternoon prior to the Blue Jays opening Pride Weekend game against the Twins.
