Blue Jays Make Decision For World Series Game 2

The Toronto Blue Jays will play their first World Series game since 1993 on Friday, but their ace pitcher won’t start. Rather, a rookie who got called up in September will have the most important baseball outing of his life.

Right-hander Trey Yesavage will start against Los Angeles Dodgers southpaw Blake Snell, via ESPN. The 22-year-old went 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA over four regular-season starts before tossing 5.1 no-hit innings against the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the AL Division Series, which Toronto won 13-7. He then coughed up five runs across four innings against the Seattle Mariners in Game 2 of the AL Championship Series, which the Blue Jays lost 10-3.

However, Yesavage rebounded during Game 6, allowing just two runs over 5.2 innings in a 6-2 victory. That appearance gives him momentum heading into Friday, an outing that will allow another key Toronto starter to rest.

The club decided its Game 2 starter before Game 1 on Friday, via MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

“Kevin Gausman will start Game 2 for the Blue Jays,” he reported. “Games 3 and 4 remain TBD.”

Gausman, Toronto’s ace, pitched one scoreless inning of relief in Monday’s 4-3 Game 7 win. The 34-year-old also started in Game 5 on Oct. 17, allowing one run across 5.2 innings.

Starting in Saturday’s Game 2 will give Gausman the standard four days’ rest since his last outing.

Starting Rotation Holds Keys to Blue Jays World Series Victory

The fact that Toronto manager John Schneider feels comfortable starting Yesavage in Game 1 instead of the veteran Gausman on three days’ rest is a testament to how reliable the rookie has been. However, the team needs the entire rotation to have its best stuff against an elite Los Angeles lineup.

The Dodgers not only have multiple stars, but their role players are also having a productive postseason. Infielder/outfielder Enrique Hernandez leads the team with a .306 playoff batting average, while third baseman Max Muncy leads with a .389 on-base percentage.

The heavy hitters are also doing their job, as shortstop Mookie Betts tops the squad with 12 hits, while designated hitter/pitcher Shohei Ohtani leads the starters with a .967 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. Additionally, first baseman Freddie Freeman is tied for third with five runs scored and is third with five walks.

Los Angeles’ rotation has been similarly effective, as Snell sports a 0.86 ERA, while Tyler Glasnow leads with a 0.68 ERA. Additionally, ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto has a 1.83 mark, while Ohtani is at 2.25.

With the Dodgers being so clinical on both sides of the ball, the Blue Jays need their pitchers to help keep games close to avoid heartbreak.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Blue Jays Make Decision For World Series Game 2

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