In one of the most commanding pitching debuts the Blue Jays have ever seen, the 22-year-old right-hander nailed his first impression. “It’s rewarding to see silly swings at pitches.” Trey Yesavage said after striking out nine Tampa Bay Rays hitters over five innings in Toronto’s 2-1, 11-inning win. Thanks to the Yankees’ loss on the same day, the Blue are five games up in the AL standings.

With his family and friends in attendance, Yesavage allowed only one run on three hits and two walks before Brendon Little took over after 69 pitches in the sixth inning. Hitters swung and missed at 52.8% of his pitches. It marked the highest whiff rate for any Blue Jays starter since 2009.

After a leadoff single to Chandler Simpson and an RBI double to Díaz, Yesavage smoothly retired 15 of his next 18 batters. Watching him drawing cheers from all around, Yesavage’s father, Dave, clad in a Blue Jays T-shirt, was captured wiping away his tears.

The Boyertown native also had his friends from minors in the stands. The 22 year old phenom was called up in the middle of a tough AL East race as Toronto’s top prospect. He had dominated each level of the Minor Leagues before his debut at Rogers Center.

Now, his debut is established as the best one yet since Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 2019 debut. However, when Guerrero Jr. debuted, the World Series didn’t feel within reach. Yesavage came when the Blue Jays were already the best team in the American League. And now, with Vladdy and Bo Bichette, he could be another piece that helps take the Blue Jays straight to the top.

In fact, this fastball averaged 94.6 mph and also touched 96.4 mph. Both paired with his deadly splitter undoubtedly earned him another start. Until that happens, let’s see what the Blue Jays manager has to say about him.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider’s reaction to 22 year old’s debut

We will eventually know Trey Yesavage’s future in Toronto. However, after watching him strike out nine Rays batters, fans have already dreamt of watching blue jays holding the trophy.

After delivering an incredible outing, Yesavage said, “It was as special as I thought. It was almost like there was some sort of trance put over me with a feeling of peace out there.” the way he pitched, for all five innings, you wouldn’t want to blink.

Meanwhile, manager John Schneider was just as impressed. “That’s a boost. It’s a boost. I don’t want to say it’s a ‘risky’ thing bringing him up because we talked about it a lot. We thought he could help us win, which he did tonight. With that being a little unorthodox at this time of year, a young kid making his debut and where we’re at in the season and the standings, it’s good for everyone else here to see what he can do.” The Blue jays have kept an eye on him all along. Starting from Single-A to High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, he has always been consistent with his command on the mound.

He has struck out 160 batters in only 98 innings. The blue jays knew his slider was already good enough for the majors. Plus, if he mixes it with his fastball and splitter, it’s hard to see how hitters manage to make contact at all. Safe to say it’s just a beginning for him. Maybe all his outings may not look like this one. but the Blue jays have gotten a glimpse of what he’s capable of.