Wembanyama scores 40, Spurs rout Mavericks 125-92 in opener
Victor Wembanyama’s 40‑point debut powers the Spurs to a 125‑92 season‑opening win over the Mavericks, while rookie Cooper Flagg struggles in his first NBA game.
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Even with a .792 OPS against right-handed pitching and five home runs in his last 15 games, Davis Schneider sat out the Toronto Blue Jays’ Sunday matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, as right-hander Tyler Glasnow took the mound. It’s a decision that feels increasingly outdated — not because Schneider is struggling, but because he’s thriving. The 26-year-old left fielder, a native of New Jersey, has quietly become one of the most dangerous hitters in the American League, yet the Blue Jays still treat him like a platoon player. Here’s the thing: he’s no longer just a specialist. He’s becoming indispensable.
He’s not a platoon player. He’s a power bat. And if the Blue Jays want to go deep in October, they need to treat him like one.
Despite his .792 OPS against right-handers and five home runs in his last 15 games, the Blue Jays continue a traditional platoon strategy rooted in past performance. Schneider’s 2024 numbers were weaker against righties, but his 2025 surge — including a record-setting 45-degree launch angle homer — suggests the team’s approach is outdated. Manager John Schneider has given him more looks lately, but full-time playing time hasn’t followed.
Schneider’s .873 OPS this season trails only George Springer (.959) and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. among Blue Jays regulars. His .756 slugging percentage over the last 15 games is higher than any other Toronto hitter during that span. His power numbers — including three multi-homer games — now rival those of established sluggers in the league, making his benching increasingly hard to justify.
One of his two homers against Minnesota had a 45-degree launch angle — the highest recorded for any Blue Jays home run in the Statcast era (since 2015). The ball barely cleared the Rogers Centre roof, a feat rarely seen in the park’s modern history. The second homer traveled 388 feet at 105 mph exit velocity, showcasing his rare combination of power and timing. Both were against right-handed pitching.
Yes — in ALCS Game 2 on August 17, 2025, Schneider started in left field against the Seattle Mariners’ right-handed pitcher, marking his first postseason start against a right-hander. Previously, he had only started in the ALDS against left-handers. That shift signaled the team’s growing trust in his ability to handle righties under pressure — a sign his role may be permanently changing.
Springer’s .959 OPS forces pitchers to respect the top of the lineup, which opens up the zone for Schneider. Opposing teams can’t pitch around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. without risking Springer or Schneider, creating more hittable pitches. Schneider has said he’s seeing more fastballs in key counts since Springer’s emergence, which has directly contributed to his improved contact rate and power numbers.
If the Blue Jays reach the World Series, Schneider is likely to start every game regardless of pitcher handedness. His recent performance, postseason experience, and growing confidence suggest he’s no longer a situational hitter — he’s a core piece. With his power, plate discipline, and clutch hitting, he could be the team’s everyday left fielder for years to come, especially if management drops the outdated platoon mindset.
Hello, I'm Declan Braxton, a passionate expert in the food industry with years of experience in creating innovative recipes and sharing my culinary knowledge. I've dedicated my career to understanding the intricacies of food and flavor, and I love sharing my expertise with others through writing. In my spare time, I enjoy experimenting with new ingredients and techniques, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the kitchen. Additionally, I find great joy and relaxation in photography, hikes in nature, and tending to my garden. My goal is to inspire others to discover the joy of cooking and to help them elevate their skills to new heights.
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Read More
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