The Toronto Blue Jays are starting the 2026 season with some pitching challenges. Trey Yesavage, the young pitcher who dazzled fans last postseason, is set to begin the year on the injured list due to a shoulder impingement. This setback leaves the Jays with three starting pitchers sidelined as the season kicks off.
Yesavage, just 22, showed up at spring training with the shoulder issue but is reportedly on the mend. The team is optimistic, with plans for him to be back on the mound in about a week. Despite efforts to ease him into the preseason, including limited action in minor-league games, he just couldn’t get back to full speed in time for Opening Day.
Manager John Schneider expressed cautious optimism, noting, “He’s feeling really good right now, so I think we’re in a good place to build up.” However, there’s no set timeline for his return.
With José Berríos dealing with an elbow stress fracture and Shane Bieber out with forearm fatigue, the Blue Jays’ rotation depth has quickly thinned. Eric Lauer now looks poised to step into the final rotation spot. Lauer, who expressed his desire to start early in the spring, will likely join a rotation featuring Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Max Scherzer.
The situation remains fluid, and if another injury arises, the team’s next move is uncertain. As Schneider put it, “A month ago, we’re talking about all the starters we have. Baseball has a way of working itself out, right?”
Yesavage’s journey last season was nothing short of remarkable. He began in Low A and climbed the ranks, making a significant impact in the postseason.
His playoff debut was a standout performance, striking out 11 Yankees, and he set a rookie record with 12 strikeouts in Game 5 of the World Series against the Dodgers. Logging 139 2/3 innings, it was the longest season of his career, leading to a cautious approach this spring.
The Blue Jays are in a win-now mode after reaching the World Series and investing heavily in the offseason. Yesavage is a crucial part of their future plans, and when he returns, expect the team to be extra careful with his workload to ensure his long-term health and success.