Blue Jays Pitchers Trey Yesavage and Jose Berrios Near Return from Injury

Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage is set to throw 65-70 pitches in his final rehab start, while veteran Jose Berrios threw 47 pitches in his first rehab outing. Both are nearing a return to the Blue Jays.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

Yesavage Nearing Full Strength, Berrios Begins Comeback

Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage is on the cusp of rejoining the Toronto Blue Jays, with his latest rehab start on Wednesday for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons marking a significant step. He is expected to throw 65-70 pitches over four innings against the Washington Nationals' triple-A affiliate. This outing could be his final rehab appearance before being activated by the major league club. Yesavage opened the season sidelined by a right shoulder impingement. Meanwhile, veteran starter Jose Berrios, 31, made his first minor-league rehab start on Thursday with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays. His outing involved 47 pitches over 2 and 2/3 innings, allowing five runs, five hits, a walk, and recording three strikeouts. Berrios is working back from a stress fracture in his right elbow and is aiming for around 50 pitches in his initial appearance. He is slated to return to the major leagues within the coming weeks, contingent on the number of subsequent rehab outings required.

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Yesavage's Progress Detailed

Yesavage's previous rehab start on Thursday involved 52 pitches, with 34 for strikes, over 2.2 innings. Manager John Schneider confirmed Yesavage's start for Buffalo on Wednesday. The right-hander's return is particularly pertinent as the Blue Jays have experienced no other significant injuries to their current rotation.

Berrios's Initial Outing and Outlook

Berrios's first rehab start saw him struggle early, requiring 30 pitches in the first inning. However, he managed to reach his target pitch count. Reports indicate he was throwing between 94-95 mph, a positive sign regarding his physical readiness. The team is assessing whether he will need one, two, or three more rehab appearances before deeming him ready for the major league roster.

Contextualizing the Need

The potential return of both pitchers arrives at a critical juncture for the Blue Jays, who are currently in the midst of a demanding road trip. Their schedule includes series against the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Angels, following a recent engagement with the Milwaukee Brewers. The team is actively seeking to "right the ship" during this extended period away from home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Trey Yesavage expected to return to the Blue Jays?
Trey Yesavage is nearing a return after his latest rehab start on Wednesday. He is expected to throw 65-70 pitches and could be activated by the major league team soon.
Q: What is Jose Berrios's status after his rehab start?
Jose Berrios made his first minor-league rehab start on Thursday, throwing 47 pitches over 2.2 innings. He is working back from a stress fracture in his right elbow and aims to return to the majors in the coming weeks.
Q: Why are the Blue Jays needing their pitchers back now?
The Blue Jays are currently on a tough road trip facing teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Angels. The return of Yesavage and Berrios could help the team improve its performance during this busy period.
Q: What injuries were Trey Yesavage and Jose Berrios recovering from?
Trey Yesavage was sidelined by a right shoulder impingement, while Jose Berrios was recovering from a stress fracture in his right elbow.