Toronto Blue Jays spring training in full swing. Live updates here.

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Blue Jays putting in work and say it's all about 'that first pitch' | CTV News in Dunedin

Blue Jays ‘understand what they got to do’ to be World Series contenders | CP24 in Dunedin

The Toronto Blue Jays’ spring training camp continues in Dunedin, Florida, on Wednesday and CTV News Toronto and CP24 are on the ground with the latest updates.

Manager John Schneider spoke to reporters at 9 a.m. The Blue Jays’ skipper addressed the media on Tuesday and said he was “impressed” with what he’s seen from the squad thus far.

Position players arrived at the Florida complex on Monday. Pitchers and catchers arrived last week.

Fan favourite Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been at the facility for days now, and was seen signing autographs for fans on Tuesday.

The Jays play their first Grapefruit League game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.

Follow along here for live updates throughout the day:

12:53 p.m. - ‘Toronto fans are the best’: Davis Schneider

Davis Schneider was asked if he had a message for Toronto Blue Jays fans eagerly awaiting the home opener on March 27.

His response was simple:

“Toronto fans are the best. And you know, I’m from Philadelphia, so I know how bad some fans can get, but Toronto fans are the best so, I just tell them to keep it up and always continue to support us.”

12:45 p.m. - Andres Gimenez says he spent off-season being a ‘full-time dad,’ nursing ankle injury

It was a busy off-season for Andres Gimenez, who told reporters Wednesday that he spent the last few months being a “full-time dad,” while simultaneously taking care of his ankle which he injured in July.

“It was a painful injury that I have to deal with. And I think the main focus and the main goal, was to have my ankle 100 per cent,” he said, adding that he’s feeling “great” as spring training gets underway.

“The ankle is responding well. Obviously we have to start to play the games, but I’m feeling healthy right now.”

10:30 a.m. - Schneider takes the mound

Schneider was seen addressing the squad from the pitching mound on Wednesday morning, though it’s unclear what he said to them.

10:25 a.m. - ‘Captain Kirk has entered the chat’

The Blue Jays are working out on one of the many fields at their player development complex.

Catcher Alejandro Kirk is suited up and is headed to home plate.

9:05 a.m. - ‘We’re trying to keep things a little bit light’: Schneider

Schneider was asked about his gameplan for Wednesday and said he’s “trying to keep things a little bit light,” but wouldn’t reveal what exactly he told the players in this morning’s meeting.

“There were some funny things going on there today, with some upcoming things throughout camp, you guys will see ‘em. Trust me, you guys will see ‘em,” Schneider said coyly.

“But I think it’s just more a chance to get everyone in the same room. You kind of get to know guys a little bit. Guys get to know coaches a little bit. But the overall message every day is just whatever you’re doing, get something out of it. Get a little bit better and stay healthy.”

9:02 a.m. - Kevin Gausman ’a kind of a rock in the clubhouse’

Schneider was asked about what pitcher Kevin Gausman means to the team as he enters his fifth season with the Jays.

“I’m trying not to have a recency bias of just last year in the postseason or the regular season, but there’s definitely some moments that stick out,” he said, noting when the pitcher got out of a bases-loaded jam facing Aaron Judge in Game 1 of the ALDS against the New York Yankees.

“He’s just been so steady. He’s been such a kind of a rock in the clubhouse. You know, Kev doesn’t speak very loudly, but when he does, every single person listens because of the kind of guy he is, the teammate he is. You know, when you’re a great teammate, people just respect you, and you become a little bit of a leader. So Kev has always been that. And I just, I just think of consistency with it, really.”

8:45 a.m. – Toronto Blue Jays glove maker shows off Davis Schneider’s ‘famous’ mitt

Mizuno, the Japanese sports equipment company, was at the Blue Jays spring training complex Wednesday showing off its latest offerings.

Ernie Clement, Jeff Hoffman, and Davis Schneider are all ambassadors for the brand. A spokesperson for Mizuno told CP24’s Melissa Duggan that Schneider’s glove is actually quite “famous,” due to its age and backstory.

“It’s probably over 25 years old…He’s had it eight or 10 years himself, he actually bought it online, from eBay, because it’s got another player’s name on it,” the spokesperson said.

Mizuno’s master craftsman, Nori, is at the camp and will be re-stringing and restoring gloves in need of some love, she said.