Blue Jays’ Rookie Trey Yesavage to Start Season on Injured List

The Toronto Blue Jays will kick off the 2026 season without rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage, who has been placed on the injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. The team made the announcement on Thursday, revealing that the 22-year-old pitcher is still recovering from an issue that has hampered his preparation during Spring Training.

Yesavage, who emerged as a key player during the Blue Jays’ postseason run to the World Series last year, will continue to throw in an effort to ramp up for the regular season. He is scheduled to pitch again on March 25, just two days ahead of the team’s opening game against the Athletics. Despite his determination, the lingering shoulder issue has contributed to a slower build-up for the young talent.

According to Sportnet’s Arden Zwelling, Yesavage reported to Spring Training with this shoulder problem, which has affected his readiness as the season approaches. After throwing 35 pitches in a minor league game on Monday, he clearly needs more time to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

As of now, there is no specific timeline for Yesavage’s return to the mound. His absence is a significant blow for the Blue Jays, especially considering his impressive performance last postseason. Starting at Single-A last season, he quickly ascended to the major league roster, making a striking impact with five playoff starts, including Game 1 of the World Series. He finished the postseason with 39 strikeouts and a remarkable 1.05 WHIP over 27.2 innings, setting a World Series rookie record with 12 strikeouts in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Unfortunately, Yesavage isn’t the only starter the Blue Jays will miss at the season’s outset. José Berríos is sidelined with a stress fracture in his right elbow, while Shane Bieber is coping with forearm fatigue. Manager John Schneider will have to rely on a rotation that includes Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Eric Lauer, Cody Ponce, and Max Scherzer as they navigate the early part of the season without some of their top arms.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.