2025 World Series Odds: Blue Jays name Trey Yesavage Game 1 starter

Rookie righty Trey Yesavage will be the Game 1 starter when the Toronto Blue Jays host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series on Friday.

Here’s what you need to know.

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Game 1 starter

Turning to Yesavage is a bit of a surprise move as the Jays used Kevin Gausman for Game 1 of the ALDS and ALCS. Toronto is likely turning to the rookie because Gausman pitched an inning out of the bullpen in Game 7 of the ALCS.

It’s an amazing run for Yesavage, who didn’t make his MLB debut until September. He has three starts and two wins in the postseason.

Yesavage dominated the New York Yankees in his playoff debut during the ALDS, setting a franchise record with 11 strikeouts in 5.1 hitless innings of a 13-7 Game 2 victory.

The 22-year-old was beat up in his next start against the Mariners during the ALCS, giving up five runs in a 10-3 Game 2 loss. He bounced back big, however, holding Seattle to two runs in 5.2 innings of a must-win 6-2 Game 6 victory.

Overall, Yesavage has a 4.20 ERA with 22 strikeouts over 15 innings pitched in the playoffs.

A key reason manager John Schneider is turning to the rookie is the unfamiliarity the Dodgers will have with him. Yesavage seems to have confused opposing batters early in his career because of an unusually high arm angle that forces opponents to adjust.

“He has the stuff … We feel pretty good about him, the pitcher, and what he can do,” Schneider said ahead of the ALDS against the Yankees. “A little bit of unfamiliarity … I think is a good thing.”

It’s a bold move to turn to a rookie with six career starts in the regular season and playoffs combined. L.A. boasts a lethal lineup with the like of Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts.