Blue Jays – Toronto fell 4-3 to Minnesota in the finale as pitching plans evolve, with Trey Yesavage improving and Jose Berrios’ rehab raising questions.
A late push came up just short for the Toronto Blue Jays as they dropped the finale to the Minnesota Twins, squandering a chance to reach .500 while the team’s pitching picture continued to move.
Trey Yesavage made encouraging strides, holding Minnesota to one run across four innings in a 4-3 defeat.. He surpassed the 80-pitch mark and recorded 15 strikeouts, though his efficiency slipped compared with his season debut.. After showing signs of a sharper splitter. the right-hander said the splitter had moments. while the slider was less consistent. underscoring how his command and feel are still settling into a rhythm that can handle starter workload.
This matters because Toronto’s next stretch hinges on whether individual building blocks can translate into repeatable starts, not just bright outings.
Meanwhile, Jose Berrios’ latest rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo added another layer of uncertainty.. He allowed seven runs on six hits. including three home runs. and walked four while his fastball reportedly sat lower than earlier highs.. Working through a stress fracture in his right elbow. Berrios is focused on regaining both velocity and fastball command. and the Blue Jays now face a more complex decision-making process around how quickly he can rejoin the rotation.
With Eric Lauer penciled to start Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto’s internal dominoes could continue to shift. Yesavage’s return earlier moved Lauer into the bullpen, but additional rehab time for Berrios could open a path back toward a more regular turn for Lauer if circumstances allow.
Toronto’s lineup also had to navigate key absences.. George Springer was out again after leaving Saturday’s win following a hit to the left big toe he previously fractured.. Manager John Schneider said Springer is being monitored for how he feels. and the club leaned into flexibility by shifting the batting order. with Yohendrick Pinango leading off and Kazuma Okamoto moving into the two-spot.
Okamoto. who homered for a third straight game. narrowed Minnesota’s lead with a two-run shot in the ninth off Justin Topa. but the comeback fell apart shortly after.. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. and Jesus Sanchez reached base with singles, yet Lenyn Sosa’s game-ending double play ended Toronto’s rally.. Earlier. the Twins built separation with Braydon Fisher allowing three runs in the fourth. giving Minnesota a cushion it did not surrender.
In this context, the Blue Jays’ late-game fight is a positive sign, but the bigger takeaway is how pitching depth and lineup stability are being tested at the same time.
Overall, the day featured frustration beyond the scoreboard.. Toronto left runners on base repeatedly. including a promising sixth inning that produced only one run despite getting men on the corners.. And while Andrew Morris provided 3.2 scoreless innings out of Minnesota’s bullpen. Joe Ryan left two batters on base after departing with elbow soreness.
With more answers expected from Monday’s matchup and from the ongoing rehab timeline. the Blue Jays are trying to keep momentum without rushing their pitching development.. If Yesavage continues trending toward full-go workload. Toronto’s rotation outlook could stabilize sooner than the wider situation suggests. providing a crucial foundation as the season unfolds.