Blue Jays’ John Schneider Shares Reason for Kazuma Okamoto’s Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Trant | Last updated May 23, 2026 1:55 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays entered the 2026 season expecting to build on last year’s American League championship run, but the club has struggled to find sustained momentum through the first two months of the year. Entering Saturday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a disappointing 24-27 record, the Blue Jays are out of a playoff spot and in third place in the American League East.

While Toronto’s offense has struggled throughout much of the season, rookie infielder Kazuma Okamoto has still emerged as one of the more encouraging bright spots within the lineup during his first MLB campaign. Okamoto has already flashed the power that made him one of the most accomplished hitters in Japan, and the 29-year-old currently leads the Blue Jays with 10 home runs.

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (7). © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

However, Okamoto has recently endured one of the toughest stretches of his rookie year at the plate. He entered Saturday in the middle of a severe slump, going just 5-for-46 since May 9 while striking out at a rate of 41.2%.

According to Thomas Hall of Blue Jays Nation, manager John Schneider is giving Okamoto the day off Saturday in hopes of helping the rookie reset mentally and mechanically.

“Blue Jays are giving Kazuma Okamoto a day off to reset at the plate amid a 5-for-46 skid (41.2% K% & -7 wRC+) since May 9. John Schneider said he feels Kaz is ‘pulling off everything’ lately and opening up a bit too much. He's been working hard behind the scenes to get right,” Hall shared on X.

#BlueJays are giving Kazuma Okamoto a day off to reset at the plate amid a 5-for-46 skid (41.2% K% & -7 wRC+) since May 9.

John Schneider said he feels Kaz is "pulling off everything" lately and opening up a bit too much. He's been working hard behind the scenes to get right.
— Thomas Hall (@Hall_Thomas_) May 23, 2026

Despite the recent struggles, the former superstar for the Yomiuri Giants in the Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan is entering Saturday hitting .213 with a .700 OPS. While still adjusting to MLB pitching velocity, Okamoto has shown a promising ability to generate power.

The organization now appears focused on helping him make the necessary adjustments mechanically while also protecting his confidence and allowing him time to work through the recent struggles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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