Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt has been placed on paternity leave, according to a report by Globalnews.ca. The news was announced on Monday, August 9th, 2021, and it is expected that Bassitt will be away from the team for a few days.
Paternity leave is a benefit that is available to employees who become new fathers. It allows them to take time off from work to bond with their newborn child and support their partner during the early days of parenthood. In Major League Baseball (MLB), players are entitled to three days of paternity leave.
Bassitt’s absence from the Blue Jays’ roster will be felt, as he has been a key player for the team this season. The 32-year-old right-hander has a 3.08 ERA and 12 wins in 22 starts, making him one of the most reliable pitchers on the team. However, the Blue Jays have a deep bullpen and are well-equipped to handle Bassitt’s absence.
The Blue Jays are currently in the midst of a tight playoff race in the American League East. They are just a few games behind the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, and every game is crucial at this point in the season. However, the team understands the importance of family and fully supports Bassitt’s decision to take paternity leave.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of paternity leave in professional sports. Many athletes have spoken out about the need for fathers to have time off to bond with their children and support their partners. The MLB’s three-day paternity leave policy is a step in the right direction, but some players and advocates are calling for more extensive leave options.
Overall, Bassitt’s paternity leave is a reminder that professional athletes are human beings with families and personal lives outside of their sport. The Blue Jays’ support for Bassitt’s decision is a positive sign of the changing attitudes towards paternity leave in professional sports. We wish Bassitt and his family all the best during this exciting and important time in their lives.
