Blue Jays: Trey Yesavage named ALCS Game 6 starter

Yesavage has made just five big league starts between the regular season and postseason. Drafted 20th overall in the 2024 draft, Yesavage played for all four “A” affiliates in the Jays’ system this season before getting the call-up toward the end of the season. After three strong starts, Yesavage earned himself a spot in the postseason rotation.

When promoted in the minor leagues, Yesavage tended to struggle in his first start. So when he started Game 2 of the American League Divisional Series against Max Fried and the New York Yankees, there was some nervousness. That was quelled quickly, as Yesavage threw five and one-third innings of scoreless and hitless baseball, striking out 11 batters in one of the best postseason debuts in history.

Game 2 in the ALCS didn’t go as well. Yesavage was squeezed against the first batter he faced, and he eventually allowed a three-run home run. The Blue Jays’ future ace settled in from there and came out for the top of the fifth, giving up an infield single. They intentionally walked Cal Raleigh and turned to Louis Varland, who gave up a three-run home run to Jorge Polanco, with Yesavage on the hook for two runs.

Still, the 22-year-old has shown enough in his five big league starts for the Blue Jays to trust him in what is the biggest game for the Blue Jays in over a decade. Depending on the outcome of Friday’s game, Yesavage could be pitching to punch the Blue Jays’ first ticket to the World Series in over three decades, or pitching to save the season.

No doubt, Yesavage will be up for the task.