In the upcoming American League Division Series Game 2 between the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees, rookie Trey Yesavage, who started the 2025 season in the low minor leagues, will be taking the mound. The announcement was made by Blue Jays’ manager John Schneider ahead of the series opener on Saturday. Yesavage, a right-handed pitcher, will be facing off against Yankees’ left-hander Max Fried in Sunday’s game.
Yesavage expressed his excitement upon receiving the news, describing it as “awesome.” The 22-year-old was drafted by Toronto as the 20th pick in last year’s amateur draft. Throughout this season, he progressed through four levels of the minor leagues before joining the Blue Jays, where he recorded a 1-0 record in three starts in September.
Reflecting on his journey, Yesavage shared, “I’ve encountered various experiences this year, transitioning through five different teams. However, being in this position now with the Blue Jays surpasses all expectations I had.”
Despite not pitching more than five innings in any of his three starts for Toronto, Yesavage made an impressive debut by setting a team record of striking out nine batters in a game against the Rays. While he has faced Tampa Bay and Kansas City, the Yankees have yet to see him pitch in person.
New York’s manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Yesavage’s talent, stating, “I’ve heard he’s a guy that’s kind of unfazed by being up here in big spots.” Blue Jays’ outfielder George Springer praised Yesavage for his composure and maturity on the field, emphasizing the positive impact it has on the team.
Looking ahead to Game 3, it was revealed that right-hander Shane Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young award winner, will start for the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night. This decision by Schneider was influenced by the strategy to start Yesavage at home and Bieber on the road, ensuring flexibility in the pitching rotation for the remainder of the series.