Blue Jays Rookie Yesavage to Start World Series Game 1 vs. Dodgers

UPDATE: The Toronto Blue Jays have confirmed that rookie Trey Yesavage will start Game 1 of the World Series against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, September 15, 2025. This marks a historic moment as Yesavage will become the first rookie to start Game 1 of the World Series since 2006.

Yesavage, who made his major league debut just weeks ago, has already made a significant impact this postseason, with more playoff starts (4) than regular-season appearances (3). The 22-year-old pitcher is set to face off against Dodgers ace Blake Snell, who was announced as the Game 1 starter earlier this week.

The Blue Jays manager John Schneider revealed the decision on Thursday, emphasizing Yesavage’s impressive performance in the postseason. He has recorded a 3.21 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 14 innings, showcasing a devastating splitter that has kept hitters at bay.

Yesavage’s postseason journey includes a standout performance against the New York Yankees, where he pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts in Game 2 of the Division Series. Despite a setback in the AL Championship Series, Yesavage secured a win in Game 6, further solidifying his role as a key player for the Jays.

As the Blue Jays prepare for the Series, Schneider has yet to announce the Game 2 starter, keeping fans guessing about whether it will be Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, or Shane Bieber. Gausman pitched in relief during Game 7 of the ALCS, which raises questions about his availability for the next matchup.

With the World Series set to ignite on Friday, fans are eager to see how this young pitcher will perform on baseball’s biggest stage. The excitement is palpable as the Blue Jays aim to dethrone the reigning champions and claim their first title.

Stay tuned for more updates as the World Series unfolds, and watch closely for the lineup announcements from both teams. This is a crucial moment for the Blue Jays and their rookie sensation, Trey Yesavage.