TORONTO – Toronto Blue Jays first-base coach Mark Budzinski and manager Charlie Montoya passed away in the third inning of Game 2 on Saturday due to Budzinski’s personal affair, the team said.
The Blue Jays clubhouse was closed after the Tampa Bay Rays lost 11-5. Toronto issued a brief statement addressing the situation.
“As many of you know, Mark Budzinski passed away at the start of the game tonight,” the statement read. “He’s handling personal matters and Charlie and our coaches are with him. From Bud’s point of view, we want you to respect his privacy this time around. “
Before leaving the dugout, Montoya and Budzinski spoke briefly to the coaching staff. Montoya was replaced by bench coach John Schneider, and bullpen catcher Luis Hurtado was the first to train.
Budzinski played four games for Cincinnati in 2003 and retired in 2005. After managing in Cleveland’s minor league system, he joined their major league staff in 2017. Toronto hired Budzinski in November 2018.