Trey Yesavage will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This announcement was made on Thursday morning, just 145 days after Yesavage last pitched at Nat Bailey Stadium.

The 22-year-old rookie has made a significant impact during the playoffs, boasting a 1-0 record with a 4.20 earned run average and 22 strikeouts over 15 innings. Yesavage was the Blue Jays' first-round draft pick in 2024, selected 20th overall from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.

This season, Yesavage progressed through all four levels of the Blue Jays' minor league system before making his major league debut. His journey included a brief stint with the Vancouver Canadians, where he pitched in four games. Notably, he made one home start for the Canadians, throwing four and one-third innings in a 1-0 victory against the Hillsboro Hops on May 31.

Yesavage is one of only ten players in baseball since 2005 to play at all four minor league levels and debut in the major leagues within the same season. His rapid ascent has drawn attention, especially given his recent connection to Vancouver, where he played just shy of five months ago.

The Canadians have been affiliated with the Blue Jays since 2011, transitioning from their previous relationship with the Oakland Athletics. John Schneider, the current manager of the Blue Jays, was the first manager assigned to the Canadians. He managed the team during part of their inaugural season and returned for two additional years, concluding in 2015.

Several players who have passed through the Canadians have gone on to achieve success with the Blue Jays, including Kevin Pillar, Marcus Stroman, Cavan Biggio, and Alek Manoah. Yesavage's recent rise to prominence has heightened interest in the Canadians, particularly as the Blue Jays compete in the World Series.

The Canadians faced challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted minor league baseball in 2020. Travel restrictions forced the team to play home games in Hillsboro, Oregon, in 2021. Additionally, Major League Baseball's restructuring of the minor leagues shifted the Canadians from a 76-game, short-season single-A format to a 132-game, full-season high-A league. This change required the team to adapt to playing in less favorable weather conditions during the early months of the season.

As the Blue Jays aim for success in the World Series, the Canadians hope to benefit from the increased interest in baseball in Canada. The team's recent upgrades to facilities, including a new building for player amenities, are expected to enhance the fan experience in the upcoming season.

With Yesavage's remarkable journey from the minor leagues to the World Series, the spotlight is on both him and the Canadians as they look to capitalize on this momentous occasion.