C's manager to take Leave of Absence

(County Stadium - Yakima, WA) - The Toronto Blue Jays in cooperation with the Vancouver Canadians have announced that manager John Schneider will be taking a temporary Leave of Absence effective immediately to tend to family matters.

Taking over the Vancouver Canadians as interim manager will be Rich Miller. Rich is currently the Toronto Blue Jays roving Outfield and Base Running Instructor

John is in his 10th year with the Toronto Blue Jays organization and his 1st as manager of the Vancouver Canadians. Drafted by Toronto in 2002, the former catcher is in his 3rd season managing in the organization. He led the Canadians to a 29-23 (.558) record over 52 games at the helm prior to today's announcement.

Rich has spent nearly four decades in professional baseball beginning his career within the New York Mets organization reaching Triple-A Tidewater back in 1978-79. After 31 years with the Mets, Rich found his way to the Minnesota Twins organization in 2004 before joining the Toronto Blue Jays organization in November of 2009.

The Vancouver Canadians open up a five-game series in Yakima tonight against the Bears with first pitch set for 7:05pm. Vancouver returns to Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium on Monday, August 15th at 7:05pm.