Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage To Open 2026 On Injured List

When it rains, it pours. A day after the Toronto Blue Jays announced that José Berríos would miss the start of the season after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow, manager John Schneider told the media that right-hander Trey Yesavage will open the season on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement. 

The Blue Jays had slowly been building Yesavage up in spring training, as the 22-year-old had yet to pitch in a game during the exhibition slate. Last season, the young righty took the baseball world by storm, joining the Blue Jays in September before becoming a major piece of the team’s run to the World Series. 

Yesavage started the season with Single-A Dunedin and made quick stops in Vancouver, New Hampshire and Buffalo before joining the Blue Jays on September 15. He pitched 112 regular season innings between the minor and major leagues. In the playoffs, the first-round pick from 2024 added 27 2/3 more frames, bringing his season total to 139 2/3. 

During the regular season with the Blue Jays, Yesavage made three starts, going 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, striking out 16 batters over 14 innings. The playoffs brought on a whole new Yesavage; he pitched to a record of 3-1, an ERA of 3.58, and a WHIP of 1.05. He struck out 39 batters in 27 ⅔ innings and held opposing hitters to a .188 average. 

The Blue Jays’ starting rotation picture is becoming clearer due to the injury bug. With no Berríos, no Yesavage and Shane Bieber still building up after dealing with forearm fatigue, the five spots now appear to have worked themselves out. 

Kevin Gausman has the Opening Day assignment. Offseason acquisition Dylan Cease will likely slot in behind Gausman, followed by fellow acquisition Cody Ponce, veteran Max Scherzer and left-hander Eric Lauer. 

Scherzer has looked very impressive this spring. The 41-year-old has appeared in two games, allowing no runs over 8 ⅔ innings and holding opposing batters to an average of .074. Scherzer, who signed on March 2, made it clear he would be ready for Opening Day, and Blue Jays fans are sure thankful for that now. 

With Lauer most likely shifting to the rotation, the door is now open for another reliever to slot into the Blue Jays’ bullpen. Tommy Nance is out of options, and after putting together a strong 2025, he could claim the role when the season opens. Two other options that remain are Rule 5 draft pick Angel Bastardo, who needs to be on the roster or be offered back to the Boston Red Sox, and right-hander Lázaro Estrada. 

The Blue Jays’ depth will be tested right away as the club hunts to return to the World Series and claim their first title since 1993.