The Toronto Blue Jays announced just hours before Friday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins and the start of their Pride Weekend celebration that pitcher Anthony Bass had been designated for assignment.
The 35-year-old pitcher faced fierce backlash last week after he shared a video on social media encouraging Christians to join the boycotts against Target and Bud Light.
Anthony Bass #52 of the Toronto Blue Jays makes a statement to the media before playing the Milwaukee Brewers in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on May 30, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
The Blue Jays announced the move on Twitter.
ANTHONY BASS INCLUDED IN BLUE JAYS’ PRIDE FESTIVITIES AFTER SHARING VIDEO ENDORSING TARGET, BUD LIGHT BOYCOTTS
In his place, right-handed pitcher Mitch White has been reinstated from the 60-day IL.
The decision to remove Bass from the active roster comes a day after reports said he was set to catch the ceremonial first pitch from activist leZlie Lee Kam ahead of Friday’s game, which begins Toronto’s fourth annual Pride Weekend celebration.
It also follows the controversy surrounding Bass over his social media where he shared a video to his Instagram Stories last week from a creator named Ryan Miller, who called on Christians to join the boycotts against Bud Light and Target.
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Anthony Bass (52) delivers the pitch in the ninth inning during the MLB regular season game between the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays on April 11, 2023 at Rogers Center in Toronto, ON. (Gavin Napier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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In the video, Miller read a Biblical verse and claimed that supporting those businesses results in taking “part in the darkness that they’re purveying” and “shoving into children’s faces.”
Bass later apologized but addressed the incident again before Thursday’s game against the Houston Astros.
He told reporters that he initially shared the video because it “reflected my (Christian) beliefs” and that he didn’t view it as hateful.
“That’s why I posted it originally. When I look back at it, I could see how people can view it that way. And that’s why I was apologetic.”
Anthony Bass #52 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. (Thomas Skrlj/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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Bass called the video a “distraction” but ultimately stood by his “personal beliefs.”
“But I stand by my personal beliefs, and everyone’s entitled to their personal beliefs, right? But also I mean no harm toward any groups of people.”
Bass is a 12-year veteran who has also played in Japan. He was 0-0 with a 4.95 ERA in 22 games.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
