Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Tim Mayza was assigned a unique punishment for finishing last in the team's fantasy football league this winter. In their Grapefruit League opener against the Philadelphia Phillies at TD Ballpark, Mayza served as the club's bat boy for the first three innings, donning a jersey with his 4-10 record displayed prominently on the back.

Mayza's last-place finish came as a surprise to many, considering he had drafted standout wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who had an impressive season, catching 119 passes for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns. Hill's performance was second only to CeeDee Lamb among wide receivers in ESPN scoring.

However, Mayza's team faced several setbacks due to injuries. His optimism for running back J.K. Dobbins was dashed when Dobbins suffered an Achilles injury in Week 1. Additionally, David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions missed some time, leaving Mayza's running back corps in disarray. Quarterback Kirk Cousins also suffered a season-ending injury, and receiver Chris Olave failed to live up to the preseason hype.

Despite the challenges, Mayza believed his team's expected stats were better than their final results indicated. He acknowledged that luck often plays a significant role in fantasy football outcomes but maintained that his team's performance was not accurately reflected by their last-place finish.

Mayza's friendly rival and eventual league champion, Danny Jansen, had attempted to acquire Tyreek Hill from Mayza at a discount once Mayza was eliminated from playoff contention. Mayza, however, refused to give Hill away and commended Jansen's management skills in winning the championship. Mayza vowed to seek revenge in the upcoming season, determined to outperform his opponents.

As Mayza embraced his role as the bat boy during the spring training game, he exhibited the same athleticism and dedication he brings to the mound. Despite the lighthearted punishment, Mayza approached the task with professionalism and impressed his teammates. Manager John Schneider emphasized the importance of proper technique and expected Mayza to handle the duties proficiently.

While the punishment may have drawn attention to Mayza's management of his fantasy football team, he is widely respected as the league's commissioner. His commitment and enthusiasm, even in the face of playful penalties, demonstrate his dedication to the game and his role as a leader within the Blue Jays clubhouse.

As the 2024 MLB season kicks off, Mayza looks forward to redeeming himself in the next fantasy football league. With no punishment for Jansen last season, Mayza aims to secure a spot on the competition committee to determine the consequence for the upcoming season. Despite some speculation about potential changes to his front office, Mayza remained tight-lipped about any alterations to the analytics department and training staff.

Mayza's experience as the bat boy served as a playful reminder of the unpredictability of fantasy football and the camaraderie within the Blue Jays team. By embracing the punishment with a positive attitude, Mayza is poised to fuel his determination and motivation heading into the new season.