Blue Jays DFA Bass before team’s Pride Weekend
The Toronto Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Anthony Bass for assignment.
The reliever made headlines last week after sharing a post on social media that called for anti-LGBTQIA+ boycotts of Target and Bud Light. The shared post described the sale of LGBTQIA+ merchandise as “evil” and “demonic.”
The move to DFA Bass comes on the same day that he was to catch the ceremonial first pitch from Toronto LGBTQIA+ activist leZlie Lee Kam before Friday’s game against the Minnesota Twins as the Blue Jays begin their fourth annual Pride Weekend celebration.
Bass, 35, apologized for sharing the post a day later, but he was booed by fans in Toronto in two home appearances since the apology.
Speaking Thursday, Bass said he’s “working hard” to educate himself but doesn’t believe the social media post he shared last month was hateful.
“I do not,” Bass said. “That’s why I posted it originally. When I look back at it, I can see how people would view it that way, and that’s why I was apologetic.”
Bass said he chose to delete the post because “it was the right thing to do” and because he didn’t want it to be a distraction to the team.
“But I stand by my personal beliefs,” Bass said, “and everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs, right? Also, I mean no harm towards any groups of people.”
“My focus from the get-go should have been doing my job and being accepting of everyone’s decisions and views in life,” Bass said. “Through this process, I’ve learned that. Moving forward, I will definitely know better than to post my personal beliefs on my social media platforms.”
Toronto general manager Ross Atkins said Friday that both the controversy and Bass’ on-field performance led to the move.
“Performance was a large aspect of the decision,” Atkins said. “Distraction was a small part of it and something we had to factor in.”
The team now has seven days to either trade or waive Bass, who has a 4.95 ERA in 22 relief appearances this season. The well-traveled righty has previously pitched for the Padres, Astros, Rangers, Cubs, Mariners and Marlins.
In a corresponding roster move, Toronto reinstated right-hander Mitch White from the 60-day injured list.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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Eli Lederman
No. 22 Missouri will be without star tight end Brett Norfleet (shoulder) when the Tigers host undefeated No. 3 Texas A&M on Saturday in Columbia.
Norfleet, a junior from O’Fallon, Missouri, has started in each of the Tigers’ eight games this fall and enters Week 11 leading all SEC tight ends with five touchdown receptions. His 26 catches on the season rank third-most among Missouri pass catchers, trailing only wide receivers Kevin Coleman Jr. and Marquis Johnson.
Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz told reporters that Norflett sustained a separated shoulder in Missouri’s 17-10 loss at Vanderbilt on Oct. 25. Drinkwitz later described Norfleet as “day-to-day” during the Tigers’ bye in Week 10, and the veteran tight end was listed as questionable in Missouri’s student-athlete availability report Thursday night.
Norfleet’s absence comes with Drinkwitz and the two-loss Tigers essentially facing a playoff elimination game against the Aggies on Saturday. Missouri will also be without starting quarterback Beau Pribula in Week 11 after the Penn State transfer dislocated his ankle at Vanderbilt. Freshman Matt Zollers, ESPN’s No. 6 pocket passer in the 2025 class, is set to make his first career start Saturday, facing Texas A&M coach Mike Elko and an Aggies defense that ranks 18th nationally in defensive pressures (137), per ESPN Research.
“For our team, it’s really about us focusing on helping Matt execute at the highest level possible,” Drinkwitz said this week. “We’re excited about Matt’s opportunity and what he’s earned. He has done a really good job in practice of leadership, stepping up, embracing the moment, embracing the opportunity.”
Missouri (6-2) kicks off against Texas A&M at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
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Jake Trotter
Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards has left the Wildcats and is expected to enter the transfer portal, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Edwards has been hampered by injuries this season and has played in just four games. He has only 34 carries for 205 yards.
In 2024, Edwards finished with 546 rushing yards while averaging 7.4 yards per carry with seven total touchdowns.
He began his career in 2023 at Colorado before transferring to K-State.
The Wildcats (4-5, 3-3 Big 12) are off this weekend.
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