Latest news with #KeeganMatheson
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blue Jays' top prospect promoted to Triple-A, could be up soon to impact MLB playoff race
Blue Jays' top prospect promoted to Triple-A, could be up soon to impact MLB playoff race originally appeared on The Sporting News The Toronto Blue Jays may have one more card to play to aid their chances of winning the AL East and making a deep run in the postseason. That card has been moved up to Triple-A, one step from the big leagues. Keegan Matheson reports that right-handed pitcher Trey Yesavage has promoted from Double-A to Triple-A. Yesavage was the Blue Jays' first-round pick in 2024 out of East Carolina. Toronto's leadership has acknowledged this season that Yesavage could pitch his way into late-season usage at the MLB level, and now he's closer. So far in the minor leagues this season, Yesavage has put up a 3.01 ERA with a ridiculous 42.3% strikeout rate. MORE: Twins' Ryan Fitzgerald reminds us why we love sports after a career spent in the minor leagues The Blue Jays opted against trading Yesavage before the trade deadline, likely a good move for the long term, and one that looks even better if he can come up and help the major league club in the short term, too. On updated prospect list, Yesavage is ranked No. 26 in all of baseball. The Blue Jays have a strong rotation right now, so a late-season Yesavage promotion to MLB would likely see him come out of the bullpen. He just did that in his final appearance at Double-A. It'll be interesting to see how Toronto uses him at Triple-A Buffalo. If he's relieving there, it's a clear tell of what is coming next. MORE: Athletics use the first switch-thrower in MLB history It's been a magical season in Toronto. The Blue Jays finished last in the AL East in 2024 but are currently first in the division now. They've been on one of the best runs in baseball since the start of June, and it doesn't seem like a fluke. An addition of Yesavage from the minor leagues would be the kind of move that could put the Blue Jays over the top. And at this point, it seems a matter of when, not if. MORE MLB NEWS: Guardians' Nic Enright reaches special personal milestone in comeback from cancer Umpires don't like Guardians star Steven Kwan Blue Jays' Ernie Clement shows lifelong hitting ability in historic night for Toronto Mookie Betts admits 'this season's over' after brutal struggles Justin Verlander makes decision on his retirement plans Yankees are paying 3 players a combined $43.8 million to not play for them
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Facing Backlash From Blue Jays Fans During Yankees Game
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Facing Backlash From Blue Jays Fans During Yankees Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Toronto Blue Jays handed their superstar a 14-year, $500 million contract extension this season, but they have yet to get equal value in return. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. entered Tuesday's bout with the New York Yankees slashing .279/.388/.439 with 13 homers and 48 RBI over 98 games. The 26-year-old's batting average was tied for 33rd in baseball, but he was tied for just 77th in homers. The Blue Jays did enter Tuesday four games ahead of the Yankees for first place in the AL East, and a half-game behind the Detroit Tigers for the AL's top seed. However, they could run away with that top spot if Guerrero plays to his full potential. The 6-foot, 245-pounder slashed .323/.396/.544 with 30 homers and 103 RBI over 159 games last season. Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson expressed the team's need for Guerrero to be clutch during a big spot in the sixth inning on Tuesday, via social media. "This is where the Blue Jays need something from Vladimir Guerrero Jr," he said. "If his season-long numbers aren't going to be there, he needs to be timely." The veteran came to bat with a man on second and two outs in a 4-4 tie, but struck out swinging. Toronto fans weren't pleased. "Triple A, he is clowning around," one said. "Fan base remains unshocked with his lack of delivery," another said. "Keep dreaming, Keegan. Dude refuses to show up when needed the most," another said. "I said it before and again he's not the guy when it's needed," another said. "Sure he hits some balls to score runs but mostly when they are up already but most times swing and miss." "As much as I love him…He has zero clutch," another said. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blue Jays Provide Injury Update to All-Star Pitcher Alek Manoah on Monday
Blue Jays Provide Injury Update to All-Star Pitcher Alek Manoah on Monday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. While the Toronto Blue Jays continue to defend their top spot in the AL East, they were given some positive news on former All-Star pitcher Alek Manoah. Advertisement After undergoing Tommy John surgery for an elbow injury he sustained in a start against the Chicago White Sox back in May of 2024, Blue Jays insider Keegan Matheson reported that the 27-year-old has a chance of drawing his first rehab start in the coming days. "Alek Manoah is throwing to live hitters again tomorrow in Florida, simulating two innings. [John] Schneider says that after tomorrow, he'll either throw one more live session to his own hitters or move into his first rehab game. From there, a Spring Training-style ramp-up," Matheson posted to X. If Alek Manoah is able to return to his All-Star potential that Toronto saw from him in 2022, his presence in the pitching staff would only be great for the Blue Jays moving forward. Advertisement It seems as if Manoah is on pace for the Blue Jays' initial return timetable for him that is set for August, barring any setbacks in the rehab process. Before going down with his elbow injury early last season, Manoah was on pace for another solid season. Through five starts in 2024, Manoah had a 1-2 record, 3.70 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and tallied 26 strikeouts in 24.1 innings pitched. However his best season came in 2022, when he finished with a 16-7 record, 2.24 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and had 180 strikeouts in 196.2 innings pitched. Earning an All-Star bid in just his second season in the league. Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek ManoahDan Hamilton-Imagn Images With an MLB-leading eight-game win streak entering a series in which they travel to Chicago to take on the White Sox, the Blue Jays have been the hottest team in baseball in the month of July. Advertisement Toronto swept the then-AL East-leading New York Yankees to take over first place in the division, following that up with a three-game sweep over the Los Angeles Angels to begin the month. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blue Jays GM Announces Trade Plans Before Yankees Game
Blue Jays GM Announces Trade Plans Before Yankees Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Toronto Blue Jays have an opportunity to shake up the AL East in their upcoming series against the New York Yankees. They're three games behind them for first place ahead of their Monday night matchup at the Rogers Centre, which will start a four-game series. Advertisement Toronto would pass New York in the standings with a sweep. It's also 1.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for second place and two games ahead of the Seattle Mariners for the AL's second Wild Card spot. However, the organization won't settle for being in the playoff picture. General manager Ross Atkins revealed on Monday afternoon that the front office is looking for upgrades, via Keegan Matheson. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis (44) and manager John Schneider (14)© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images "Ross Atkins says the Blue Jays have been looking to add a right-handed bat," he reported. "Pitching depth sounds like another priority ahead of the deadline." "He adds that the Jays have had ownership support financially all along and that they should be able to 'continue to flex that muscle,'" he continued. Advertisement The MLB trade deadline is July 31 at 6 p.m. EST. Although Toronto is competitive in the standings, its -4 run differential ranks fourth in the division and eighth in the AL. Its 369 runs allowed ranks 10th in the AL, while its 365 runs scored ranks sixth. Right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer (0-0, 5.63 ERA) will make his third start of the season for the Blue Jays on Monday night after rehabbing a thumb injury. Southpaw Carlos Rodon (9-5, 2.92 ERA) will pitch for New York. Related: Blue Jays Third Baseman Turns Heads With Message Before Yankees Game Related: Blue Jays Fans Excited With Decision After Red Sox Game This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blue Jays Make Max Scherzer Decision Before White Sox Game
Blue Jays Make Max Scherzer Decision Before White Sox Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer (thumb) has pitched just one game for the Toronto Blue Jays this season, and they still own the AL's second Wild Card spot through 75 games. There's no telling how far they'll rise once the three-time Cy Young Award winner is back at full strength. Advertisement Scherzer's lone appearance this year came back on March 29 when he allowed two runs in three innings to the Baltimore Orioles. The 40-year-old threw just 45 pitches before leaving with soreness in his right lat muscle that stemmed from his thumb soreness. However, Scherzer is finally close to returning from the 60-day IL. Toronto manager John Schneider made a decision about the hurler's rehab before Saturday's bout with the Chicago White Sox, via Keegan Matheson. Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31)© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images "Max Scherzer is throwing his bullpen session tomorrow now, not today," Matheson reported. "Schneider says the Blue Jays are 'feeling through it a bit' and just wanted to give him an extra day, which they have the option to do given how the rotation is set up next week," he continued. Scherzer will likely pitch either Tuesday or Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians, via Matheson. The right-hander isn't ready for 100-pitch outings yet, but he can handle 75. Advertisement Scherzer signed a one-year, $15.5 million contract with the Blue Jays in February, and their rotation has been shorthanded since he went down in March. Toronto is 1.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for second place in the AL East and three games behind the New York Yankees for first. Related: Blue Jays Dealt Unfortunate News Before White Sox Game Related: Blue Jays Receive Daulton Varsho News on Friday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
