The Toronto Blue Jays are entering another crucial series with the playoffs now within reach, and the team received a major update on the pitching front.
Toronto sits at 70-71 and is just 0.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians for the American League’s final wild-card spot entering Friday’s action. The Blue Jays have won two straight and five of their last six games, with less than a month remaining in the regular season.
That makes the continued progress of Trey Yesavage particularly important for a pitching staff that could use another reliable arm down the stretch. The 23-year-old right-hander underwent surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee on Aug. 11 after suffering the injury against the Houston Astros.
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Before the injury, Yesavage had gone 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA and 91 strikeouts across 18 starts and 93 2/3 innings.
On Friday, Yesavage took another step toward a potential return. According to Blue Jays manager John Schneider, Yesavage threw a 23-pitch side session, reached 92 mph and felt good afterward.
Per Schneider, the plan is for him to repeat the session Monday. If there are no setbacks, he will progress to a two-inning, 30-pitch side session Thursday (via Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet).
The Blue Jays have not put a firm return date on Yesavage, but Schneider’s latest update provides a clearer path for the rookie. The club previously said it would not rule him out for the season, and he could become an option for the club if he continues progressing without setbacks.
Toronto opens a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Friday. The Royals are 63-78 but have won 16 of their 27 games in August.
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