Trey Yesavage Praised for 'Historic' Pitching vs. Ohtani, Dodgers by Blue Jays Manager

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider was so impressed with Trey Yesavage's performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the World Series that he could only think one of superlative to describe it.

Speaking to reporters after Toronto's 6-1 win, Schneider praised the "historic" outing by the 22-year-old rookie.

"Historic stuff," said Schneider. "When you talk about that stage and his numbers, getting ahead of a lot of hitters, tons of swing-and-miss. It's one thing to be in the zone, and it's another thing to be in the zone and get some swing-and-miss. Kind of blown away at what he did."

It's certainly an accurate assessment of how Yesavage played. He allowed one run on three hits with no walks and struck out 12 in seven innings on Wednesday night.

In assessing how he has reached these heights right away in his MLB career, Yesavage attributed it to a "middle ground" that allows him to maintain focus while delivering a pitch and releasing his emotions in big moments.

"I've found an even middle ground," Yesavage told The Athletic's Mitch Bannon. "I'm cool, calm, collected. But when I get a big punch out, you're gonna know."

Fellow Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer, who is no stranger to legendary playoff performances, seemed to be in awe of what Yesavage did to the Dodgers.

"Absolutely incredible," Scherzer said to The Athletic's Jayson Stark. "You've got a guy going seven innings and punching out 12 in the World Series. I mean, that's incredible."

All nine Dodgers hitters struck out at least once against him. Shohei Ohtani was held hitless in four plate appearances, striking out on a nasty splitter in the bottom of the third.

The 12 strikeouts by Yesavage were the most by any pitcher in a World Series game since Orlando Hernández in 2000. He also set World Series records for most strikeouts in a game by a rookie, most strikeouts without issuing a walk and the youngest pitcher ever with at least 10 punchouts in a game.

Yesavage did all of this just 15 months removed from being selected No. 20 overall by the Blue Jays in the 2024 MLB draft. He started this season in A ball, moved up four levels before getting called up to the big leagues on Sept. 15.

Wednesday was just the eighth start of Yesavage's MLB career, with five coming in the playoffs. It was also his first appearance in a road playoff game, having made his previous four starts at Rogers Centre.

The historic outing from Yesavage has the Blue Jays on the brink of winning the World Series. They will host the Dodgers in Game 6 on Friday with a chance to clinch their first championship in 32 years.