Rookie Trey Yesavage Starts Game 1 as Blue Jays Face Dodgers in Historic World Series
When Trey Yesavage, right‑handed pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays received the call, even the most seasoned fans in the arena felt a jolt.
The call came from John Schneider, Blue Jays manager on Thursday, October 23, 2025, confirming that the 22‑year‑old rookie would start World Series Game 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night at Rogers Centre. At 22 years and 88 days, Yesavage becomes the second‑youngest pitcher ever to open a World Series, trailing only Ralph Branca’s 1947 start.
How a Small‑Town Kid Climbed the Ranks
Born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Yesavage starred at Boyertown Area High School before committing to East Carolina University. Drafted 20th overall in 2024, he debuted for Single‑A Dunedin on April 8, 2025, then vaulted through High‑A Vancouver, Double‑A New Hampshire, and Triple‑A Buffalo within four months. His major‑league debut arrived on September 15, 2025, versus the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, where he logged a 3.21 ERA over three starts.
What set him apart was a razor‑sharp splitter that baffled hitters even in limited action. "Trey’s pitch feels like a razor on a string," said Pete Walker, Blue Jays pitching coach after the September outings.
Why Schneider Chose Yesavage Over Gausman
Veteran left‑hander Kevin Gausman was the obvious alternative, but he had thrown 19 relief pitches in Game 7 of the ALCS just three days after a 91‑pitch start. Schneider told reporters, "It made sense to hold Kevin for a day; his arm needs the rest, and Trey’s composure is remarkable for a rookie."
Dodgers boss Dave Roberts counter‑pumped the narrative, naming 32‑year‑old left‑hander Blake Snell as the Dodgers’ Game 1 starter and promising Yoshinobu Yamamoto for Game 2.
Postseason Proof: From the Yankees to the Mariners
Yesavage’s postseason résumé is small but sparkling. In the ALDS, he tossed 5 1/3 scoreless, hitless innings against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, fanning 11 batters. The next round, he stumbled a bit, yielding five runs in four innings versus Seattle at T‑Mobile Park. He rebounded to win Game 6 of the ALCS on October 20, handing the Mariners just two runs over 5 2/3 innings.
"His poise in those high‑leverage moments is uncanny," Walker observed. "He’s not just a flash‑in‑the‑pan; he feeds off the pressure."
Hometown Hero Gets a Day of “Trey Day”
Back in Boyertown, the high school declared October 24 “Trey Day.” Senior baseball coach Todd Moyer, a 39‑year veteran, said, "I would have started him in Game 2, where he’s comfortable, but starting Game 1 makes the story even sweeter."
Students flooded the hallways in blue and white, and banners reading “Go Trey!” waved alongside the school’s mascot. Yesavage, still buzzing from the office call, told his girlfriend, "I’m flying out tonight; my family’s already at the Centre, and I can’t wait to see the crowd."
What Game 1 Means for Both Clubs
If Yesavage can silence the legendary power of Shohei Ohtani – a hitter who has historically loved the splitter – the Blue Jays secure a psychological edge. Sportsnet’s Keegan Matheson notes, "It’s a classic strength‑vs‑strength showdown, and if Trey can nab Ohtani for the first out, the narrative shifts dramatically."
For the Dodgers, the series is about defending a 2024 championship on home turf. Their roster now spans 11 nations, underscoring MLB’s global reach, while the Blue Jays field 12 Canadian‑born players, adding a patriotic flavor to the showdown.
Schneider has yet to name a Game 2 starter, keeping options like Gausman, Max Scherzer, and Shane Bieber on the table. Resting Gausman could make him available for Game 3 in Los Angeles on October 27.
Looking Ahead: The Ripple Effects
Should Yesavage pull off a win, his stock skyrockets. Contracts, endorsements, and even a potential All‑Star nod become realistic for a teenager who was still a college sophomore a year ago. On the flip side, a rough outing could expose the risks of leaning on untested talent in a pressure cooker.
Either way, the decision underscores a broader trend in baseball: teams are willing to gamble on youthful arms whose velocity and “stuff” can match seasoned veterans, especially when the schedule allows for quick turn‑arounds.
Key Facts
- Game 1 starts Friday, Oct 24, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
- Trey Yesavage (22) is the second‑youngest WS Game 1 starter.
- Blue Jays manager John Schneider opted for rest for veteran Kevin Gausman.
- Dodgers counter with veteran left‑hander Blake Snell starting for L.A.
- Yesavage’s signature splitter will face a test against Shohei Ohtani in the first inning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How might Yesavage’s start impact the Blue Jays’ rotation for the rest of the series?
If Yesavage performs well, Schneider could keep Gausman rested for a Game 3 start, giving the Jays a deeper, fresher rotation. A shaky outing might force the manager to revert to a veteran like Max Scherzer for Game 2, shortening the rookie’s WS experience.
What does this decision say about the Dodgers’ confidence in Blake Snell?
Roberts’ choice of Snell signals trust in his veteran poise after an injury‑laden 2024 season. It also shows the Dodgers are banking on a left‑hand/right‑hand matchup to neutralize the Blue Jays’ left‑handed hitters early.
Why is the splitter such a focal point in this matchup?
Yesavage’s splitter drops sharply, making it lethal against power hitters. Ohtani has historically hit splitters hard, so the pitch becomes a chess piece: if it works, it’s a morale booster; if not, it could fuel a Dodgers rally.
How are local communities reacting to Yesavage’s start?
Boyertown Area High School declared a “Trey Day,” with students wearing Jays gear and banners across the campus. Even the town’s mayor posted a video urging fans to tune in, highlighting the hometown pride swirling around the rookie’s big moment.
What are the historical odds for a rookie starter in a World Series opener?
Only a handful of rookies have ever started a WS Game 1. Aside from Ralph Branca in 1947, the last was Kyle Hendricks in 2016 (though he was technically a sophomore). Yesavage’s age makes the odds particularly slim, adding intrigue to his debut.