The Toronto Blue Jays will have rookie Trey Yesavage on the mound for Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees. Yesavage, who started the 2025 season in the low minors, received the nod from Manager John Schneider ahead of the series opener on Saturday. The right-hander will face off against Yankees left-hander Max Fried in the upcoming game.
Yesavage, drafted by Toronto as the 20th pick in last year’s amateur draft, rapidly progressed through four minor league levels this season before making his debut with the Blue Jays. The 22-year-old pitcher expressed his excitement about the opportunity, describing it as “awesome” and emphasizing his journey through various teams and experiences throughout the year.
Despite his limited innings in previous appearances, Yesavage made an impactful start in the major leagues by setting a Blue Jays record with nine strikeouts against the Tampa Bay Rays. His signature split-finger fastball has gained attention, with opponents acknowledging his talent and composure in high-pressure situations.
Blue Jays outfielder George Springer commended Yesavage for his poise and maturity as a rookie, highlighting his calm demeanor on the field. Meanwhile, Shane Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young winner, is set to start Game 3 at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, with Carlos Rodon expected to take the mound for New York.
Schneider explained the decision to start Yesavage at home for Game 2, keeping Bieber ready for the road game and maintaining flexibility for later stages of the series. The Blue Jays aim to leverage their pitching rotation strategically to maximize their chances in the postseason.