TORONTO -- Racing against the clock to return in time to help the Blue Jays’ postseason run, Trey Yesavage officially has a shot.
Yesavage threw 30 pitches Thursday at the club’s complex in Dunedin, Fla., simulating two innings against hitters, and came out of the session feeling fine physically. Yesavage was up to 93 mph in that session as he works his way back from surgery in early August to repair the meniscus in his left knee.
“After 30, we’ll probably want to get him to 40 or 50 pitches,” manager John Schneider said. “Then, we’ll see how that looks and how he feels. We’ll see if he needs another one or not.”
Let’s map this out, then, as a best-case scenario. Besides, the Blue Jays are due for one of those this season.
Schneider believes that Yesavage could pitch in a rehab game “later next week,” and given that the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons end their season on Sunday, Sept. 20, the clock is ticking. If Yesavage could pitch over those final few days in Triple-A while the Blue Jays are in Arlington playing the Rangers (Sept. 18-20), that would line him up to pitch again -- and on plenty of rest -- during the final series of the season against the Reds at home.
If Yesavage throws 45 pitches in this rehab game, let’s presume he could have a maximum of 60 to work with in his first game back. He’d only be able to give the Blue Jays three innings, maybe four, but his upside is worth it, especially as the Blue Jays essentially roll out two bullpen days in their rotation, one of which features the struggling Spencer Arrighetti in a bulk role.
Any injury needs to be handled seriously, especially for a long-term cornerstone in the Blue Jays’ rotation, but it’s also important that we’re talking about a knee injury here, not an elbow or shoulder. If the Blue Jays’ medical team decides that Yesavage is not risking any further damage to his meniscus, then the 23-year-old can take a real run at this. Given Yesavage’s toughness, stubbornness and early track record of rising to the moment, this has a comeback story written all over it.
The latest on: Anthony Santander
Santander (torn labrum) plays the outfield for Triple-A Buffalo again Friday night, then he’ll play through “at least the middle of next week there,” according to Schneider.
Last year, when Santander ramped up from a shoulder issue, he also ran into some back troubles along the way. Keep in mind, too, that Santander hasn’t played much these past two seasons, and for someone with a reputation of being a slow starter, it feels like he’s coming off a terribly long offseason here. Santander’s role would be uncertain, too, but for now, the Blue Jays just want him to give this a shot.
“We’ll get him playing as much as we can and see how he responds physically, and what the at-bats look like,” Schneider said. “We’re trying to cram a lot into a week here.”
The latest on: Shane Bieber
Consider Bieber to be a couple of steps behind Yesavage in his rehab from right teres major inflammation.
“The goal is throwing off the mound some time during this homestand,” Schneider said.
If that’s the case, Bieber may need another bullpen session or two before facing live hitters, and at that point of the season, Triple-A play will be wrapped. Any Bieber return likely requires the Blue Jays to make the postseason, and potentially even advance a round, but he’s still going to build up and take a run at this.
If Bieber reaches the point where he’s ready to make a “rehab start” later in September, he could pitch against his own Blue Jays teammates or even Minor League players who are brought to Toronto by the club.