Trey Yesavage's meteoric rise from a pitching prospect to playoff stud was highlighted by his epic 12-strikeout, no-walk performance at Dodger Stadium in Game 5 of the World Series. It was truly an amazing journey, from an anonymous pitcher not even the most ardent fan of the Blue Jays would recognize to arguably the face of the club's starting rotation.
As improbable as last year's journey was, this year's path was more circular than linear. That's the result of a shoulder impingement as Yesavage had to regroup and map out a plan for his eventual return to the big leagues. It came full circle Tuesday night in the second game of a three-game series against the visiting Boston Red Sox, a team still dealing with the tumult of a managerial change, a team that nonetheless held the Jays to two hits in a 5-0 win on Monday.
Tuesday's backdrop was a far cry from a fall classic setting, but it did nonetheless serve as Yesavage's season debut, the first time he had started a big-league game since that memorable day in Los Angeles. People tend to forget the right-hander started only four MLB games in the 2025 regular season. Career-start No. 5 came against the Red Sox, who got their first look at the soon-to-be 23-year old.
Welcome to Trey Day. When Kazuma Okamoto drove in two runs in the home half of the third inning with a sharply hit ball to left field, Yesavage was given a 2-0 lead. In the fourth, Yesavage struck out the first two hitters he faced, which happened to be the first two strikeouts he recorded. Yesavage then yielded a two-out single into right field. A flyout deep down the line in right field ended the inning.
Through five innings, Yesavage's pitch count reached 69. Four pitches and one strikeout later, manager John Schneider made the walk to the mound. The sold-out crowd, announced at 41,949, showed its appreciation by showering Yesavage with applause. The kid deserved it. And chances are Yesavage will be better than the 5.1 innings of shutout ball he gave the Jays in his return. The bar is that high. Of the 74 pitches tossed by Yesavage, 50 were for strikes.
The following are three takeaways from the Blue Jays' 3-0 victory, a night when Yesavage earned his first victory of the season.
1. Going the extra Myles
Long before Myles Straw stepped up to the plate to begin the Jays' order, incumbent leadoff hitter George Springer was wrapping up his round of batting practice. While he wasn't active for Tuesday's game, there's a growing sense around the team that Springer might be available as early as Wednesday's series finale. Either way, Springer is inching closer to being back in the lineup as DH. Springer, who is in the final year of a six-year deal with the Jays, suffered a fractured left big toe on April 11 after fouling a ball off his foot against the Minnesota Twins. In his absence, the Jays have used a rotation of players at leadoff, including Straw. Straw, a right-handed hitter who started in right field, led off against Boston starter Payton Tolle, a lefty whom the Jays faced last season when Tolle came in relief.
2. Glad to be Vlad?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. entered the night having gone yard twice this season, once on the road and once at home. He had struck out 15 times in 103 at-bats. Is Vlad Jr. a power hitter or he is an elite hitter known for his sharply hit balls into the gap? His post-season run last fall may have led to inflated expectations. Remember, his best power season came when the Jays played in minor-league ball parks. There's no denying his ability to hit. He had a multi-hit game Tuesday, Vlad Jr.'s 10th of the season. Following his second hit, his average increased to .340, which is nothing to dismiss. In the seventh, Red Sox reliever Ryan Watson tried to come inside on Vlad Jr., but ended up hitting Vlad Jr. on his left arm. Perhaps it's time to lower the expectations on Vlad Jr. when it comes to mashing the ball. He's no Aaron Judge, to be clear.
3. Rolling a seven
One-time closer Jeff Hoffman, who may one day return to that role, entered the game Tuesday to begin the seventh inning, no music, let alone no light show. The last time he pitched in the ninth inning, Hoffman imploded in Anaheim. He has since been used as a set-up man by pitching the eighth inning. Tuesday, he pitched the seventh in a 3-0 game. He looked far more comfortable and he began by recording a strikeout. Then came another K before the inning ended on a groundout to complete a stellar 10-pitch frame by Hoffman. Tyler Rogers pitched a clean eighth inning before Louis Varland was tapped to record his fourth save of the year and third at home in as many opportunities. Mission accomplished, as the final three Toronto relievers held the Red Sox hitless.
Up Next: The Blue Jays' six-game home stand wraps up Wednesday (3:07 p.m. first pitch) on get-away day; following the final out, the Jays will head to Minneapolis to begin a four-game series Thursday night against the Twins, part of a seven-game trip.
