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Trey Yesavage's MLB debut gets surprising ranking in Blue Jays all-time debut
Photo credit: Chris O'Meara/The Associated Press
Trey Yesavage delivered a performance for the ages in his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays, but does the pitcher's debut rank the best of all time in franchise history?
When we take a look at great debuts of the past, there is an argument to be made that Yesavage's was the most impressive.
Trey Yesavage most impressive Toronto Blue Jays debut?
Tom Ruminski of The Score recently ranked the top 5 Blue Jays debuts of all time, following Yesavage's incredible performance. They slotted him in the 4th spot but there is an easy argument that he should be placed higher.
At number 5 we have Davis Schneider in 2023, but we will focus on the people ahead of Yesavage.
For comparison Yesavage's numbers were off the charts for a pitching debut.
"Even more impressive than Yesavage's franchise-record nine strikeouts in an MLB debut is how dominant he was over five-plus innings. He racked up 19 swing-and-misses, including 11 whiffs via his splitter, for the fifth-highest total in a debut since the pitch-tracking era started (2008). The 22-year-old top prospect came one pitch short of an immaculate inning in the fourth. His dad teared up after the head-turning performance at George M. Steinbrenner Field."-Ruminski
Following Yesavage we have Alex Manoah in 2021, he threw six shutout innings, with seven strikeouts.
In the second slot we have Mauro Gozzo in 1989.
"The right-hander allowed just three hits with four strikeouts and three walks over eight shutout innings versus the Rangers. It would stand as the best start of his six-year career."-Ruminski
And lastly in the number one spot we have J.P Arencibia in 2010.
"Arencibia erupted with two homers, three RBIs, and three runs scored in a 4-for-5 day at the plate in his first big-league game. He's one of five players to go deep twice in an MLB debut and the only major leaguer with two long balls and four hits in the first game of an MLB career. Once a top catching prospect, Arencibia never lived up to expectations, but he secured his place in Blue Jays lore."-Ruminski
Personally I would slot Yesavage in the second slot for best debuts all-time. It's kind of hard to compete with two home runs in your debut, but nine strikeouts, and almost an immaculate inning to me deserves to be ahead of Manoah and Gozzo.
Regardless the future looks bright for the Blue Jays pitching rotation.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 17 | 965 ANSWERS Trey Yesavage's MLB debut gets surprising ranking in Blue Jays all-time debut Do you believe Trey Yesavage deserves to be ranked higher amongst Toronto Blue Jays debuts in franchise history? | ||
| Yes | 778 | 80.6 % |
| No | 187 | 19.4 % |
| List of polls | ||