After their World Series heartbreak, the Toronto Blue Jays want a redo this year, and manager John Schneider is working to put the best team on the field every day. But their first away series in the 2026 season has not been a productive one so far. With Toronto looking to avoid a series sweep against the Chicago White Sox, the Blue Jays appear to have lost faith in a lefty reliever.
In Sunday’s series finale against the White Sox, the Blue Jays’ bullpen will be missing left-hander Brendon Little. In his 5 appearances for the Blue Jays in 2026, Little has struggled heavily, posting a 24.55 ERA in 3.2 innings. So, Toronto has turned its faith to veteran arms, Austin Voth and Joe Mantiply. Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reported the development first on X, stating that Little appears to have been optioned.
“Joe Mantiply and Austin Voth are here in Chicago. No official word, but appears Brendon Little has been optioned,” wrote Nicholson-Smith.
Joe Mantiply and Austin Voth are here in Chicago
No official word, but appears Brendon Little has been optioned
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) April 5, 2026
Through their official X handle, the Toronto Blue Jays later confirmed the news. While Mantiply and Voth are now on Toronto’s major league roster, Little will be sent to Triple-A Buffalo.
The 29-year-old lefty reliever took the mound against the White Sox when the Blue Jays were leading 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth. But he blew up the lead, allowing two homers, including a two-run shot to Munetaka Murakami. The Blue Jays ultimately lost the match 6-3.
While speaking to the media following the loss, Schneider addressed Little’s continued struggles this season. Little holds a 0-2 record, having allowed 10 hits, 11 runs, 10 earned runs, 3 homers, 3 walks, with only 6 strikeouts.
“We’ve got to figure it out,” stated Schneider. “We’re going to try to put the best team out there every single day, so we’ll definitely sit down and talk about it.”
For now, Little’s immediate destination will be the minors, aiming for a bounce-back. Last season, he put on a promising show, posting a 3.03 ERA across 68.1 innings with 91 strikeouts and allowing only 2 homers.
After signing minor league deals with Toronto in the spring, Mantiply and Voth will get their chance at the majors this season. Mantiply had last pitched in the MLB for the Arizona Diamondbacks in May last season. Voth’s MLB appearance came with the Seattle Mariners in 2024. Voth spent the 2025 season in Japan, pitching at the Nippon Professional League.
