This past Sunday, the Toronto Blue Jays dropped the series finale against the Minnesota Twins, earning a series split.

However, the biggest storyline from this game involved Tyler Heineman. In the top of the sixth, Heineman flew out to left field on the first pitch he saw with the bases loaded and two outs. At the time, the Blue Jays were down 4-1, and in the next half inning, rookie Brandon Valenzuela came in as a defensive replacement.

Post-game, Blue Jays manager John Schneider, as well as Heineman, both spoke to the media. Schneider said it was a “manager’s decision” and left it at that.

Heineman also spoke to the media, noting that he didn’t get it done and that he supports the decision, also taking accountability for his recent play.

Schneider’s decision to pull Heineman likely stems from the catcher swinging at the first pitch from Taylor Rogers. The inside pitch went to shallow left field, ultimately ending one of the Blue Jays’ best chances to draw level. Later in the game, Kazuma Okamoto hit a two-run home run in the top of the ninth in what was a 4-3 loss. Following that home run, the Jays had the go-ahead run on first, but a double play ball hit by Lenyn Sosa ended the game.

Heineman is batting .176 this season and has yet to record an extra-base hit. With his struggles being evident in the batter’s box and even behind the plate at times, this is an example of John Schneider setting the tone for his clubhouse. With last season’s shortcomings in the World Series, expectations have changed this season.

Alejandro Kirk has begun to throw recently, and the decision of who will back him up upon his return is coming sooner rather than later. Heineman is an experienced catcher who has had three separate stints with the Blue Jays. Valenzuela is a rookie with fewer than 100 plate appearances in his career.

Time will tell what the decision will be.