Blue Jays to Start Trey Yesavage on Sunday as Jose Berrios Nears Return

Key facts

• Trey Yesavage will start Sunday's series finale against the Minnesota Twins.
• Yesavage threw 5.1 scoreless innings in his season debut against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.
• Jose Berrios has missed the entire 2026 season with an elbow injury.
• Berrios will throw a bullpen session in triple-A on Friday and a rehab start with Buffalo on Sunday.
• Addison Barger, out since April 5 with an ankle injury, will play for low-A Dunedin on Sunday.
• Barger had just one hit in 19 at-bats before his injury.
• Alejandro Kirk fractured his catching thumb five games into the season and is expected to miss at least six weeks.

Yesavage Gets the Nod as Berrios Works Back

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced Friday that rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage will start Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. The decision comes as veteran Jose Berrios, who has missed the entire 2026 season with an elbow injury, continues his rehabilitation. Berrios is scheduled to throw a bullpen session in triple-A on Friday and make another rehab start with the Buffalo Bisons on Sunday. Yesavage impressed in his season debut Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox, tossing 5.1 innings of no-run ball. Schneider emphasized the importance of managing expectations for the 22-year-old. "I know what I don't want to do is expect him to strike out 10 or 12 or 14 hitters every outing and just have some realistic expectations for him," the manager said.

Berrios's Velocity Concerns as Return Looms

Berrios's last outing with Buffalo on Tuesday raised some eyebrows. The 31-year-old allowed five runs, including two home runs, over four innings. His fastball velocity averaged 91.9 m.p.h., down from last season's career low of 92.5 m.p.h. Despite the rough start, the Blue Jays are optimistic about his return. Schneider said Berrios will "kinda stay on his routine" with the bullpen session Friday before a decision is made on his activation. Toronto currently lists their Sunday starter as TBD, with Patrick Corbin starting Friday and Dylan Cease on Saturday. Berrios's return could provide a significant boost to a rotation that has relied on young arms like Yesavage.

Barger and Kirk Progressing in Rehab

Addison Barger, out since April 5 with an ankle injury, took a step forward Friday by running the bases at the Player Development Complex. He is scheduled to play for low-A Dunedin on Sunday. "He's getting close, so the game on Sunday is a step in the right direction," Schneider said. Before his injury, the 26-year-old slugger struggled, managing just one hit in 19 at-bats after a strong 2025 season. Catcher Alejandro Kirk has also begun his rehabilitation. The two-time All-Star fractured his catching thumb five games into the season and is expected to miss at least six weeks. In 22 plate appearances this year, Kirk had three hits, including a home run. He has resumed throwing at the team's complex in Dunedin.

Blue Jays Nearing Full Strength After Injuries

The Blue Jays have been hit hard by injuries early in the 2026 campaign, but reinforcements are on the way. George Springer and Trey Yesavage have already returned this week. With Berrios, Kirk, and Barger all progressing, the team is closer to full strength. Schneider expressed optimism about Barger's timeline, noting that the team will be in Tampa beginning Monday and hopes to have him work out with the club soon. "We definitely want to see Addy once we're down there and see how he's doing," Schneider said. The manager's comments suggest Barger could rejoin the big-league club within the next week, pending his performance in the minors.

What's Next for the Blue Jays Rotation

Yesavage's start Sunday will be a key test as he builds his pitch count and adapts to a full major-league schedule. Schneider said the focus is on consistency: "The next one is just continuing to build the pitch count and continuing to get onto a routine of pitching every five, six days." The rookie's debut performance has earned him another opportunity, but the Blue Jays will monitor his workload carefully. Berrios's eventual return could shift the rotation dynamics. If he regains his form, Toronto will have a veteran presence to anchor the staff. For now, the team is taking a cautious approach, with Schneider emphasizing that Berrios's rehab is on track.

The bottom line

• Trey Yesavage will start Sunday for Toronto after a strong season debut.
• Jose Berrios is nearing a return but his velocity remains a concern.
• Addison Barger is progressing from an ankle injury and could rejoin the team soon.
• Alejandro Kirk has begun throwing as he recovers from a fractured thumb.
• The Blue Jays are gradually getting healthier after a spate of early-season injuries.
• Manager John Schneider is managing expectations for Yesavage's rookie season.