Blue Jays Rookie Yesavage to Start Game 1 of World Series

UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays have confirmed that rookie Trey Yesavage will start Game 1 of the World Series against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers and veteran pitcher Blake Snell on Friday, October 27, 2023. This decision marks a significant moment for Yesavage, who made his major league debut just over a month ago on September 15.

Yesavage, at just 22 years old, is set to make his fourth postseason start, already surpassing his regular-season appearances with only three games logged. Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed confidence in the young pitcher, who has shown remarkable talent throughout the playoffs.

The stakes are high as the Blue Jays face a formidable opponent in the Dodgers, who have announced Snell as their Game 1 starter, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto lined up for Game 2. Yesavage’s rapid rise through the ranks—from Class A Dunedin to Triple-A Buffalo—has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing his ability to handle pressure.

In the postseason, Yesavage has proven his mettle. He achieved a standout performance in the Division Series against the New York Yankees, delivering 5 1/3 scoreless, hitless innings while striking out 11 batters. However, he faced challenges in the AL Championship Series, suffering a loss after allowing five runs in four innings, but rebounded with a solid win in Game 6, giving up only two runs in 5 2/3 innings.

This historic start makes Yesavage the first rookie to take the mound in Game 1 of the World Series since Anthony Reyes of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006. The anticipation is palpable among fans and analysts alike, with many eager to see how the young pitcher will perform on baseball’s biggest stage.

As for the Blue Jays’ pitching strategy moving forward, Schneider has not confirmed who will start in Game 2, although Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, and Shane Bieber are potential candidates. Gausman recently pitched in relief during Game 7 of the ALCS and could be held back for later games.

With the World Series set to begin, all eyes will be on Yesavage as he looks to make his mark in this crucial matchup. Fans are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying Game 1—stay tuned for live updates and reactions as the action unfolds.