Pitcher Trey Yesavage set a new Blue Jays record for strikeouts in a postseason game against the Yankees during the ALDS.Charlie Riedel/The Associated Press
Rookie Trey Yesavage will take the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday to start Game 2 of the American League Championship Series versus the Seattle Mariners.
Manager John Schneider confirmed the news on Sunday at Rogers Centre, prior to Game 1.
It will be the second MLB post-season start for the 22-year-old right-hander, who dazzled in his playoff debut a week ago. He held the New York Yankees hitless through 5 1/3 shutout innings in the second game of the division series, while setting a new club record for strikeouts (11) in a postseason game.
The Rogers Centre crowd gets another look at the phenom in the No. 39 jersey who prompted a roaring thunderous ovation when he exited last Sunday’s 13-7 win over the Yankees.
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“It’s still pretty wild,” said Yesavage. “I never thought I would be here in this situation this year. Every day is something new, and I’m very blessed to be learning this in such a young career.”
The 6-foot-4 pitcher with the unique over-the-top release has wowed since his call-up to Toronto’s Big League club in September, after a whirlwind run through the minor league levels this season. He has now played for five clubs this season. Yesavage had made just three starts for the Jays prior to getting his start in the ALDS.
Yesavage opened his press conference on Sunday with a serious tone, speaking in defence of his family. He seemed to suggest that they have experienced some criticism online.
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“Living in this world where there’s so many different opinions and feelings which results in a lot of hate, it’s sad to see that people close to me are being attacked for my performances on the field. These people have done nothing to warrant negativity for my actions, whether that’s my parents, my brothers, my girlfriend, family. It’s just really sad,” said Yesavage.
“I know I have the platform to address it, so I am. I hope that people can realize that those individuals have nothing to do with what happens on the field or whatnot. If you have a problem, I’m a man; I can take whatever opinions anybody has about me or my life.”
His manager commented on it also.
Fans cheer with a standing ovation for Yesavage after he was pulled from the mound during a game against the New York Yankees on Oct. 5, 2025.Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
“It kind of just adds to him and his maturity level, I think. It wasn’t a lot of hate there; it’s just kind of saying – this is new for him, obviously, but I think him kind of protecting people that are close to him. I commend him for saying that,” said Schneider. “It’s unfortunate that that’s a reality. I think the more that you do it, the more accustom you get to it. I commend him for saying what he said and for backing up the people that love and support him.”
In a lighter moment this weekend, Schneider had fun admitting to reporters on Saturday that when Yesavage walked out to the bullpen late in Game 4 in New York versus the Yankees during the ALDS, that was a decoy. The Jays never intended to have him available to pitch out of the bullpen that day. For Yesavage it was a fun behind-the-scenes learning about how MLB teams operate during the playoffs.
“It was just a decoy. I was told to walk out there on the field in the fourth inning, which I did,” said Yesavage on Sunday.
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“But I thought it was funny just learning how this playoff baseball is kind of crazy (laughter) and there’s a bunch of stuff that goes on behind the scenes that the average fan would have no idea about. I thought it was really cool.”
The team also confirmed Sunday that Shane Bieber will start Game 3 for Toronto, when the series swings to Seattle.
It will be Bieber’s fourth post-season start, and his second as a Blue Jay.
The 30-year-old right-hander had a short night his last time out, Game 3 against the Yankees in the Bronx – Toronto’s only loss in that series. Bieber lasted just 2 and 2/3 innings, allowing three runs – two earned – on five hits, walking one hitter, and striking out two. He stumbled in the third inning, when the Yankees scored two runs and were still threatening, so Schneider took him out.
The Mariners said they’d wait until late Sunday to decide on their Game 2 starter.
Jays fans, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, are feeling excited as the team gears up to face the Seattle Mariners in the ALCS on Sunday.
The Canadian Press