Blue Jays’ top pitching prospect Trey Yesavage records career-high 12 strikeouts in single-A start

Yesavage was tagged for a pair of leadoff home runs in the first and second innings, with Konnor Griffin — the Pirates’ top position-player prospect, who homered on the first pitch he saw — responsible for one of the two runs against the D-Jays starter, the only ones he’d allow in the contest. He also surrendered two other hits, both singles, while throwing 75 pitches (55 strikes).

The 21-year-old righty continued to lean heavily on his over-the-top four-seamer, using it over 50 per cent of the time, averaging 94.4 m.p.h. and topping out at 95.5.

Gage Stanifer came in relief of Yesavage, as he’s done repeatedly this season, finishing off the game with four innings of one-run ball while striking out seven. Together, they combined for a season-high 19 strikeouts against Bradenton, continuing their sensational early-season tandem.

It’s been a heavy swing-and-miss display from Yesavage lately, as he’s now racked up 10 strikeouts or more in three of his last five starts at single-A. In that span, he’s totalled a whopping 47 punchouts in 25.2 innings.

The 6-foot-4 hurler owns a 2.43 ERA and 2.47 FIP with 55 strikeouts and eight walks since becoming the 20th-overall selection by the Blue Jays organization in last year’s draft.

The franchise still appears to be waiting for consistent warm weather before sending Yesavage to high-A Vancouver. But at this rate, it’s fair to wonder if keeping him in Dunedin any longer could negatively impact his development.