Yesavage to Open for Jays in World Series; Bichette in Doubt

Yesavage Will Start Game 1 of the World Series for the Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have selected rookie Trey Yesavage to start Game 1 of the World Series against the Dodgers, the current champions. However, it has not yet been decided whether Bo Bichette, the shortstop, will be included in the roster, as announced by manager John Schneider. Bichette has been out of action since suffering a sprain in his left knee on September 6. He tried to return for the American League Championship Series against the Mariners, but on October 11, he was unable to run the bases without feeling considerable pain. Bichette, two-time All-Star, has shown a remarkable recovery and progress.

I feel pretty good.

Bo Bichette

Bichette took ground balls at second base and faced live pitching on Wednesday. Schneider indicated that a similar routine was expected on Thursday. The team is considering Bichette, 27, for shortstop, second base, or designated hitter positions. He could also be used as a pinch hitter. The last time Bichette played second base was in April 2019 in Triple-A.

We are reaching the limit. I could see all three options happening.

John Schneider

The decision on the starting pitcher for Game 1 was debated between Yesavage and Kevin Gausman. Ultimately, it was decided to give Gausman an extra day of rest. Schneider confirmed that Gausman will pitch in Game 2 in Toronto or Game 3 in Los Angeles. Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer are the other expected pitchers for the Blue Jays. The Dodgers will have Blake Snell as the starting pitcher, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled for Game 2. Yesavage, 22, will make his seventh start in his career on Friday, which will be the first World Series game for the Blue Jays since 1993. Yesavage debuted in the Major Leagues on September 15th and has proven his worth. In his postseason debut, he struck out 11 batters while allowing no runs against the Yankees. Then, he limited the Mariners to two runs in Game 6, with the Blue Jays on the brink of elimination.

I have been able to handle this with diligence.

Trey Yesavage

Yesavage was selected in the first round of last year’s draft. He started the season in Low-A Dunedin Blue Jays and quickly moved up through the minor leagues. On Friday, Yesavage will take the mound in the franchise’s first World Series game in 32 years.

It’s very special. I have text messages from all the teams, from Dunedin to Vancouver, congratulating me. It’s a testament to how united we are.

Trey Yesavage