The Toronto Blue Jays' ailing rotation may have reinforcements on the way.
Trey Yesavage is on track to make a rehab start with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons next week after throwing 30 pitches in a simulated game on Thursday, Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters Friday.
The 23-year-old's fastball was up to 93 m.p.h. He’ll throw a bullpen in Toronto on Sunday with the goal of throwing 40-50 pitches in the minor-league rehab game next week. If all goes well, Yesavage could be activated after that outing.
The right-hander left Toronto's loss to the Houston Astros on Aug. 4 after throwing 16 strikes over two innings. His left knee appeared to buckle as he warmed up for the third inning, and he was later diagnosed with a meniscus injury.
Yesavage underwent surgery to repair the knee cartilage one month ago and threw off the mound for the first time after the procedure on Sept. 4.
In his first full MLB season, Yesavage has made 18 starts and has a 3.65 ERA with 91 strikeouts and 46 walks over 93.2 innings pitched.
Schneider said last week that if Yesavage returns to the Blue Jays this season, it will most likely be in a bulk role instead of as a traditional starter.
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