Trey Yesavage Shatters Jays Debut Record with 9 Strikeouts
Trey Yesavage made a remarkable entrance into Major League Baseball, striking out nine batters to set a record for the Toronto Blue Jays during his debut. The 22-year-old right-hander led the team to a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on September 25, 2023, marking the Blue Jays’ fifth consecutive win and extending their lead in the American League East to five games.
Yesavage, selected 20th overall in the 2022 amateur draft, exhibited impressive control throughout the game. He allowed one run on three hits and walked two batters over five innings, throwing 49 of his 69 pitches for strikes. His fastball averaged 94.6 mph, and he effectively utilized a mix of 19 splitters and 18 sliders, with six of his strikeouts coming from his splitter.
In a thrilling conclusion, George Springer provided a key moment in the 11th inning with a tiebreaking single off reliever Kevin Kelly, which helped secure the win for Toronto. This victory improved the Blue Jays’ extra-inning record to 10-4 this season.
Yesavage’s Impressive Performance
Despite a shaky start, where he surrendered a leadoff single to Chandler Simpson followed by an RBI double to Yandy Díaz, Yesavage quickly found his footing. He retired 15 of the next 18 batters and struck out the side in the fourth inning, showcasing his potential on a grand stage. His father, Dave Yesavage, watched proudly from the stands, visibly emotional as he observed his son’s debut.
Rookie Braydon Fisher also contributed significantly, getting six outs while allowing only one hit. He faced a challenging situation in the 11th, where he struck out Brandon Lowe, Junior Caminero, and Josh Lowe after allowing a leadoff single that put runners at the corners.
The Rays struggled throughout the game, recording 18 strikeouts— their highest total since 23 against the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 28, 2019. The performance marked an ongoing slump for Tampa Bay, as they dropped to 73-77, losing eight of their last ten games and falling 8.5 games behind the Houston Astros for the final AL wild card spot.
Attendance and Future Outlook
The game attracted a crowd of 8,972 at Steinbrenner Field, which has a capacity of 10,046. This marked the 17th non-sellout in 75 games this season at the team’s temporary venue.
As the Blue Jays continue their push for the postseason, Yesavage’s debut serves as a promising sign for the team’s pitching depth and potential future successes. With the season drawing to a close, fans will be eager to see how the young pitcher develops and contributes in the coming weeks.
