Yesavage to Start Season on IL, Blue Jays Bullpen Adjustments Loom
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Toronto Blue Jays rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to a shoulder impingement, manager John Schneider announced Thursday. The injury, a pinching sensation in the front of his right shoulder, surfaced when Yesavage reported to spring training.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Yesavage first noticed the discomfort as he began throwing in camp. “I got here, obviously I had to say something,” he said. The team quickly addressed the issue, slowing his build-up. While a definitive timeline for his return hasn’t been established, Yesavage is expected to begin throwing off a mound within a week and remains in Toronto for opening day festivities, even though he won’t be active.
“It stinks, but it’s part of the game. Faced with adversity, you’ve just got to keep moving forward,” Yesavage stated. He has been feeling better, and the pain is gone, attributing his progress to exercises in the training room and weight room.
He threw 35 pitches in a simulated game on March 11 and another 35 pitches over two innings in a minor-league game on Monday, reporting that he felt “back to normal.” The focus now is on building volume to prepare him for a starting role.
Impact on the Blue Jays Rotation
With Yesavage sidelined, Eric Lauer is likely to seize his place in the starting rotation, Schneider indicated. “He’s got a good chance, yeah,” Schneider said. “Just got to figure out exactly who is where and things like that and how they’re feeling physically.”
The anticipated rotation would place Lauer behind Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease, ahead of Cody Ponce, and alongside Max Scherzer. This arrangement positions Scherzer, Gausman, and Cease to potentially face the Los Angeles Dodgers during their April 6-8 series, a rematch of the 2025 World Series.
Bullpen Implications
Yesavage’s injury also creates an opening in the Blue Jays bullpen, potentially for a reliever capable of pitching multiple innings. “There are going to be some guys that we’re going to request to go multiple innings, and however that fits best come Monday, we’ll figure that out,” Schneider explained.
Potential multi-inning options include Connor Seabold, Chase Lee, Lazaro Estrada, Adam Macko, and Yariel Rodriguez.
Ponce Impresses in Final Spring Start
Cody Ponce showcased his potential during his final Grapefruit League outing, allowing only one hit over 5.2 shutout innings against the New York Yankees. He threw 65 pitches, averaging 94.5 m.p.h. On his fastball, and recorded five strikeouts.
Schneider highlighted Ponce’s improved command and the effectiveness of his splitter. The team plans for Ponce to throw around 80 pitches in a simulated game next week, either in Dunedin or Toronto.
Blue Jays Lineup Gels with WBC Players Returning
With players returning from the World Baseball Classic, the Blue Jays fielded a potential opening-day lineup, highlighted by a grand slam from George Springer, a solo home run from Daulton Varsho, and a three-run shot from Andres Gimenez. Schneider noted the positive energy and communication within the lineup, reminiscent of their successful 2025 season.
Gimenez Reflects on WBC Victory
Andres Gimenez proudly wore his Venezuela jersey from their World Baseball Classic final victory, expressing the joy and pride the win brought to his country.
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