Jays GM Atkins says manager Schneider made decision to pull Berrios from Game 2

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins says manager John Schneider made the decision to pull starting pitcher Jose Berrios in Toronto’s playoff-ending loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Berrios was taken out of the scoreless game after a leadoff walk in the fourth inning. The right-hander had thrown only 47 pitches and had struck out five batters before being replaced by lefty Yusei Kikuchi.

The Twins went on to win the game 2-0, eliminating the Jays from the American League wild-card series in two straight games.

During a season-ending address at Rogers Centre on Saturday, Atkins admitted that he was surprised by the move and threw cold water on a theory that the decision was influenced by the Jays’ front office.