The Toronto Blue Jays fired manager Charlie Montoyo at a time when the team resides in fourth place in the AL East. Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

Blue Jays fire manager Charlie Montoyo

While the rest of the Canadian sports scene was fixated on the opening of the NHL free-agent market on Wednesday, the Toronto Blue Jays fired manager Charlie Montoyo.

The Blue Jays had just extended Montoyo's managerial contract for one year, prior to the start of the 2022 season. He was widely regarded as a manager the players really liked, even as the team went through tough stretches.

Toronto currently sits in fourth place in the AL East with a 46-42 record, 15.5 games behind the first-place New York Yankees. They are 2-8 in their last 10 games with the All-Star break rapidly approaching. The Blue Jays were recently swept by the Seattle Mariners in a four-game set, which threatens Toronto's shot at a wild-card spot at the halfway point of the season.

Montoyo is the third MLB manager to be let go this season. The Blue Jays have yet to make a formal announcement regarding who will take his place for the rest of the 2022 campaign.

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