In an impressive MLB debut for the Toronto Blue Jays, 22-year-old Trey Yesavage showed his pitching prowess against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Yesavage, a right-handed pitcher, set a new franchise record for the Blue Jays by striking out nine batters in just five innings of play on Monday. Despite allowing only one run on three hits and two walks, he demonstrated his skill on the mound before being relieved by Brendon Little after 69 pitches.
Noteworthy was Yesavage’s ability to generate 19 whiffs during the game, with 11 of them coming from his splitter. His remarkable 52.8% whiff rate in his debut was the highest among Blue Jays starting pitchers since 2009 and also the best for any MLB starting pitcher making their big league debut.
Although Yesavage faced a rocky start by conceding two hits early on, he quickly found his rhythm, utilizing his unique high release point to baffle the Rays’ lineup. At one point, he struck out five consecutive batters, including a full inning of three strikeouts.
Having excelled in the minor leagues across multiple levels this season, Yesavage’s promotion to the major league comes at a crucial time for the Blue Jays, who are vying for a playoff spot.