Blue Jays’ Yesavage to Start 2026 on IL with Shoulder Impingement
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage, a standout performer during the 2025 World Series, will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to a right shoulder impingement, manager John Schneider announced Thursday.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Schneider explained that Yesavage reported the issue upon arriving at spring training, which contributed to a slower build-up in his preparation. “It’s something that he reported to camp with and it obviously led to his slow build-up, as well,” Schneider said, according to MLB.com. “Right now, he’s feeling good and he’s in a better place now to continue to ramp up. He’s going to continue on the program he’s been on.”
The Blue Jays do not anticipate a complete shutdown for Yesavage, and he is expected to be re-evaluated within a week as he assesses his shoulder and works to regain velocity.
Yesavage’s 2025 Performance
The 22-year-ancient right-handed pitcher, drafted by the Blue Jays as the No. 20 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, posted a 3-1 record with a 3.58 ERA during the 2025 postseason. His performance included a particularly impressive outing in Game 5 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he recorded 12 strikeouts over seven innings while allowing just three hits and one run. The New York Times highlighted this as a pivotal moment in the series.
Yesavage also started Game 1 of the World Series, allowing four hits and two runs over four innings.
In three regular-season appearances for the Blue Jays in 2025, Yesavage went 1-0, allowing 13 hits and five runs.
Impact on Blue Jays’ Rotation
Yesavage’s injury is compounded by existing injuries to Shane Bieber and Jose Berrios, potentially leaving the Blue Jays without several key pitchers at the start of the 2026 campaign. The team’s current healthy starters include Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Eric Lauer.
Upcoming Schedule
The Blue Jays will open their regular season on March 27th against the Oakland Athletics at Rogers Centre in Toronto.