Trey Yesavage to make one more minor-league start before his expected return to Blue Jays
If it wasn’t for bad news there wouldn’t be any news at all, a saying that easily applies to the Blue Jays’ start this season, mere months after the club literally came within inches of winning its first World Series in more than three decades.
Injuries are part of life for any pro sports team, but the Jays were dealt more than their share of setbacks, especially when it came to their starting pitching.
Whether its Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber or Trey Yesavage, a once-coveted pitching depth began to erode.
And no one should forget the cruel fate that befell Cody Ponce, who hurt his right knee in his Blue Jays debut and will miss the balance of the season because of an ACL sprain.
With no legitimate fifth starter, the Jays were forced to go with a bullpen day during one of their games in Chicago, where the White Sox earned a three-game sweep.
The Jays were so desperate that they signed veteran Patrick Corbin to a one-year deal worth $1 million.
One start in the minors later, and Corbin was back on a big-league mound Friday night when the Jays faced the visiting Minnesota Twins in the first game of a three-game series.
Prior to Friday night’s first pitch, it was revealed that Yesavage is inching closer to returning soon than later.
In 2025, the right-hander experienced a rapid climb from the lowest levels of baseball to the absolute highest, providing the Jays with a much-needed shot in the arm.
Thursday night, Yesavage had a very promising start at Class-A Dunedin.
Per Blue Jays manager John Schneider, one additional start in the minors is expected. After that, some determination on the next order of business will be put into effect.
His next outing in the minors, added the skipper, is projected to be at some point in the middle of next week.
The exact level, and even the precise location, will depend on the weather.
Thursday, Yesavage topped out at 52 pitches.
Next week, the expectation is that he reaches the 70-pitch total.
A Yesavage sighting in the big leagues appears to be just a matter of time, which is good news for the Blue Jays as they continue to experience life minus starting catcher Alejandro Kirk, a two-time all-star.
Kirk was injured in that ill-fated series in Chicago, as was Addison Barger.
The club’s pitching has been hit the hardest.
Berrios threw a live bullpen session on Friday. According to Schneider, Berrios likely will make an appearance in the minors as he makes his way back.
On Saturday, Bieber and reliever Yimi Garcia (remember him?) are expected to begin throwing off a mound.
The Blue Jays entered play Friday with a 5-7 record, which included a six-game losing streak.
The team’s biggest area of deficiency has been on offence, especially with runners in scoring position.