DUNEDIN, Fla. – The Toronto Blue Jays are approaching Trey Yesavage’s upcoming season with caution, planning a carefully managed workload for the 22-year-old pitcher after his standout performance in the 2025 playoffs. The team aims to balance his innings pitched according to his recent pitching history while preparing him for a full season.
Although there remains a possibility that Yesavage will pitch five or more innings by the start of the regular season on March 27, the Blue Jays are seriously weighing alternatives that would limit his appearances to three or four innings initially to ease him into the season gradually.
Manager John Schneider Emphasizes Cautious Progression
Manager John Schneider outlined the team’s intentions to monitor Yesavage’s preparation closely. He explained that while extending Yesavage’s outings would be ideal, the priority is understanding the unique conditions that shaped his recent workload.
I think (five-plus innings) would be the best outcome. But we’re really trying to be aware of what he did last year and how different it was compared to any off-season let alone the one he had before that, which was basically the longest off-season of his career followed by the shortest one. We’ll see how much we can get him built up to and go from there.
?John Schneider, Manager
Yesavage resumed facing live hitters on Friday and will likely do so again before his Grapefruit League debut. Despite no current health issues, the Blue Jays are committed to managing his innings carefully given his 139.2 total innings pitched last year, split between the minors, regular season, and post-season.
He’s checking every box and probably chomping at the bit a little,
Schneider added.
Potential Adjustments to Early Season Usage
The Blue Jays are prepared to limit Yesavage’s pitch count to between 45 and 60 pitches per outing early in the year. This measured approach could also lead to strategic partnerships on the mound, such as pairing Yesavage with pitcher Eric Lauer, to help protect the bullpen from overuse.
The team currently has no intention of starting Yesavage at the Triple-A level. Assuming he remains healthy, he will begin the season with the major league club.
We think he’s proven that he belongs on the team,
Schneider said.
I think it’s just making sure that he’s ready to have a normal-ish workload.
As long as Trey is built up to the point where we’re comfortable, he’s going to be on our team,
Schneider emphasized.
I don’t think it’s one of those where it’s ‘go to Buffalo and build up’ by any means. He’s in the rotation, it’s just checking every box.
Implications for the Blue Jays’ Season and Yesavage’s Role
The careful management of Trey Yesavage’s innings reflects the Blue Jays’ strategy to maintain his health and effectiveness throughout the 2024 season. By gradually increasing his workload and potentially limiting early season innings, the team hopes to maximize his contributions during crucial moments while reducing injury risk. Yesavage’s readiness to return to the starting rotation is a positive sign, indicating the Blue Jays’ confidence in his potential impact as a first-round pick who has already demonstrated his capabilities in both minor and major leagues.
