Blue Jays’ Trey Yesavage Takes Center Stage as Decoy in Playoffs

UPDATE: In a surprising twist during the American League Division Series, Trey Yesavage of the Toronto Blue Jays was revealed as a strategic decoy in their decisive 5-2 victory over the New York Yankees. This revelation came just ahead of the AL Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, heightening anticipation for Yesavage’s performance.

Yesavage and manager John Schneider confirmed that the rookie pitcher was intentionally used to mislead the Yankees, creating a tense atmosphere in the postseason showdown on October 12, 2025. As the game progressed, Yesavage and fellow pitcher Kevin Gausman walked to the bullpen, suggesting they were ready to pitch. “When I was walking down there, I was trying not to smile. I was trying to act locked in,” Yesavage shared, emphasizing the playful deception.

Schneider later confirmed that while Gausman was indeed available to pitch, Yesavage was not, adding an element of surprise to the Yankees’ game plan. “I don’t know if it affected anything that New York was going to do,” Schneider noted, playfully apologizing for misleading the media. “It was a little bit of taking into account what Yesavage had done in Game 2 and adding a little bit of theatre to it all.”

Yesavage, who began the season in the Dunedin Blue Jays minor league, has had an extraordinary journey. He made his big-league debut on September 15, and his performance has been nothing short of remarkable. In his three regular-season starts, he recorded 16 strikeouts over 14 innings with a 3.21 ERA. His postseason debut on October 5 was highlighted by an impressive 11 strikeouts against the Yankees, helping Toronto secure a 13-7 victory.

As the Blue Jays prepare for Game 1 of the AL Championship Series, Schneider has confirmed that Yesavage will take the mound for Game 2. The excitement is palpable among teammates. “I’m super excited. I think we all are,” said Addison Barger, third baseman for the Blue Jays. “What he did in the regular season and in the Division Series has been amazing to watch.”

As the Blue Jays face the Mariners, fans are eager to see how Yesavage will perform when it truly counts. The stakes are high, and his journey from single-A to the big leagues serves as an inspiration. This rookie is ready to prove himself again on the biggest stage.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Toronto Blue Jays continue their playoff journey, and watch how Yesavage’s role evolves in this thrilling postseason.