Trey Yesavage Starts Season on Injured List
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage will begin the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. This announcement was made by manager John Schneider, as reported by Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Yesavage arrived at training camp with this injury and has been gradually increasing his workload.
This week, Yesavage threw 35 pitches in a minor league outing and felt positive about his performance. However, he will not have sufficient time to complete his preparation before the season kicks off. The Blue Jays plan for Yesavage to throw again on March 25, although a specific timeline for his return has not been established.
Blue Jays Pitching Rotation Adjustments
Yesavage’s absence adds to the Blue Jays’ injury woes, as he becomes the third starting pitcher expected to be on the injured list at the start of the season. He will join teammates Shane Bieber, who is dealing with forearm fatigue, and José Berríos, who is facing a right elbow stress fracture.
As a result, Toronto’s starting rotation for the season opener will feature:
- Kevin Gausman
- Dylan Cease
- Cody Ponce
- Max Scherzer
- Eric Lauer
Yesavage’s Rookie Season Highlights
The 22-year-old Yesavage had a promising debut last season, leading him to be considered a favorite for the American League Rookie of the Year award. He made three regular-season starts, achieving a 3.21 ERA over 14 innings.
In the postseason, Yesavage emerged as a standout performer. He logged a 3.58 ERA in six playoff appearances, including five starts. Although one challenging outing against the Seattle Mariners contributed negatively to his overall stats, he shined during Game 5 of the World Series. There, he held the Los Angeles Dodgers to just one run in seven innings and secured 12 strikeouts.
Injury Updates and Team Depth
Despite the early season injuries, the Blue Jays have managed to maintain their pitching options. Toronto has not traded any of their starting pitchers, having recently signed Cease, Ponce, and Scherzer, which gives them eight starters for five rotation spots.
Although injuries to Bieber and Berríos sound serious, the prognosis is more optimistic. Bieber has begun throwing from flat ground and is expected to return to mound work soon. Berríos, who experienced no symptoms, only discovered his elbow issue during a physical for the World Baseball Classic and is expected to start throwing again shortly.
However, the team’s depth is already under scrutiny with the loss of Bowden Francis for the year due to Tommy John surgery. Additionally, prospects Ricky Tiedemann and Jake Bloss are working through their own recovery processes.
Yariel Rodríguez may return to the 40-man roster, providing some depth. However, options beyond him are limited, as right-hander Lazaro Estrada has only pitched 7 1/3 innings in the majors. Other non-roster alternatives include Connor Seabold, who has struggled in the past, and Michael Plassmeyer, who has 11 major league innings to his name.
