Toronto Blue Jays first-base coach Mark Budzinski is back with the team after taking a hiatus due to the tragic death of his daughter, Julia.

Budzinski stepped away from the team on July 2nd after his 17-year-old daughter died in a boating accident. He is still distraught over his heartbreaking loss but has not shied away from showing it in the Toronto clubhouse.

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, Budzinski borrowed a portion of the obituary he wrote for Julia to describe her and is understanding how to live with the grief he feels. He said that he wants those around him to be comfortable with his new reality as he tries to find comfort himself.

Article Continues Below
More Toronto Blue Jays News
Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Myles Straw (3) runs to first base on his two run double against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Rogers Centre.
Why Myles Straw trade to Blue Jays was a blessing in disguiseQuinn Allen ·
Bo Bichette Tigers jersey
Tigers’ trade offer lands Bo Bichette from Blue JaysBailey Bassett ·
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez (0) throws to first for the out against Los Angeles Angels second baseman Luis Rengifo (2) during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium.
Blue Jays make pivotal injury roster movesChristopher Hennessy ·
Toronto Blue Jays centre fielder Daulton Varsho (5) grabs his left leg after rounding second base against the Athletics during the third inning at Rogers Centre.
Blue Jays’ George Springer’s painful reaction to losing Daulton VarshoZachary Howell ·
Toronto Blue Jays centre fielder Daulton Varsho (5) is helped off the field after grabbing his left leg after rounding second base against the Athletics during the third inning at Rogers Centre.
Blue Jays’ Daulton Varsho leaves game with concerning injuryZachary Howell ·
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Easton Lucas (62) pitches against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at Rogers Centre.
Blue Jays recall starter after rough MLB stint earlier this seasonAlex House ·

“‘She's a winner, man,” Budzinski added. “She wanted us to win.' Budzinski shared that with the Blue Jays upon his return, difficult as it is to use the past tense,” Davidi wrote. “Recognizing the power of his emotions, that grief is a new constant, that his life ‘will never be the same,' he tried to put those around him at ease because ‘sometimes they don't know how to react, what to say, what to do.'”

Budziski shared with Sportsnet that Julia always asked him how the Blue Jays did after each game. He will be helping the team continue to win as they hope to make it to the postseason.

Budzinski returned to the Blue Jays on Friday, who welcomed him back with a historic 28-5 win over the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park.