Trey Yesavage will make his final rehabilitation start Tuesday with Triple-A Buffalo as the Toronto Blue Jays navigate a pitching staff crisis that has left them 7-11 and fifth in the AL East.
The 22-year-old right-hander, sidelined since spring training with a right shoulder impingement, has missed 18 consecutive games and will throw up to 75 pitches in what manager John Schneider described as a final workload check before rejoining the rotation.
Yesavage’s return is critical for a rotation depleted by injuries: Cody Ponce underwent ACL surgery and is out until spring 2027, Shane Bieber remains on the 60-day IL with forearm inflammation, and Jose Berrios is progressing through rehab after allowing five earned runs in 2 2/3 innings in his first start.
Even veterans are struggling — Max Scherzer carries a 9.58 ERA into his fourth start, and Eric Lauer has been hampered by a flu bug. Patrick Corbin, signed to a $1 million deal in April, is fighting to earn a roster spot.
The Blue Jays’ early-season woes extend beyond the mound. George Springer remains sidelined with a toe injury, unable to progress to running, even as Addison Barger’s ankle recovery is delayed until next week. In Baltimore, Jackson Holliday is set to return to High-A Frederick this weekend after a hamate fracture, though he struggled at Triple-A Norfolk with a .167/.239/.214 line in 11 games.
His absence has opened the door for Jeremiah Jackson, who entered Friday’s action with a 151 wRC+ and hit a go-ahead three-run homer against the Guardians. Adley Rutschman, nursing an ankle injury, is eligible to return Tuesday but may need rehab games, and Tyler O’Neill remains out with concussion symptoms since April 8.
In Tampa Bay, Edwin Uceta’s shoulder issues have worsened after two scoreless rehab frames; he’s allowed three earned runs on six hits in his last two appearances and will be shut down for the next few days.
Schneider emphasized the need for Yesavage to “feel” the workload one more time, not just to build arm strength but to establish routine after a disrupted buildup. The goal is to avoid further detours once he returns.
Berrios, whose fastball has returned to near 94 mph, could follow Yesavage back with one or two more starts, according to Schneider. The pitching staff’s instability has forced multiple bullpen games and strained available starters.
The Blue Jays entered Tuesday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks seeking stability in a rotation that, despite early depth, has been unraveled by injury. Yesavage’s final rehab start represents the clearest path back to competitiveness.
When is Trey Yesavage expected to rejoin the Blue Jays’ rotation?
Yesavage is expected to rejoin the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation after his final rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday, following their West Coast series against the Los Angeles Angels.
What other Blue Jays pitchers are dealing with significant injuries?
Cody Ponce underwent ACL surgery and is out until spring 2027, Shane Bieber remains on the 60-day IL with forearm inflammation, and Jose Berrios is progressing through rehab after a rough first outing.
