Trey Yesavage, a right-handed pitcher in the postseason, rocks back as he delivers a pitch. His arm whips from behind his neck and his body tilts left. This is the highest position for a right-handed pitcher.”I’m sure some people think that would hurt to go all the way up there,” Toronto’s 22-year-old rookie said. “Everyone thinks it’s unique, which it is.Yesavage is starting Game 5 of the World Series Wednesday for the Blue Jays. This will be his fifth postseason start after just three regular season starts. Alex Vesia, a 29-year-old Dodgers lefty, is missing the World Series due to a personal matter. He had a 65 degree arm angle in the postseason. Vesia, a 29-year old Dodgers lefty, is not attending the World Series due to a personal issue. According to MLB Statcast’s data, Yesavage’s arm position caused his release point to be 7.09 feet higher than the field. Justin Verlander, who had 200 or more regular-season pitches, was the highest.Blake Treinen (37), a Dodgers relief pitcher, explained that “some of it has to do wth mobility and youth”. You just hope they can stay healthy and mobile.Yesavage began his season with Class A Dunedin but was promoted every year. Pete Walker, the pitching coach, only saw him briefly during spring practice.”It’s not a slot you would necessarily teach. It doesn’t seem to be the most natural slot,” Walker said. Verlander is a good example. You can look at other pitchers throughout the years and they all seem to have found a way that works. They don’t change it once they have a feel for the pitch.Over his seven starts, Yesavage threw 43.5% of fastballs with an average speed of 94.4 mph. He also threw 29.6% sliders at 88.5 mph. And 26.9% splitters at 83.8 mph. His fastball has an average downward movement of 11.4 inches, his slider 30, and his splitter 31.9.Yesavage explained that everything plays off one another. “Everything appears to be a splitter, but it can also be a slider, heater or heater when held in the hand. It’s just a three-sided coin flip.Toronto won the World Series opener 11-4 after Yesavage left the game with a score of 2-2 at the end of four innings.”When I’m not able to execute the fastball efficiently, that’s when my off-speed stuff starts to disappear,” he said.Players get ready to face Yesavage when he’s on the road by hitting against the Trajekt machine that can mimic his pitches.”It’s just another wrench that happens in baseball,” said the Dodgers’ Max Muncy, who in the opener against Yesavage singled on an up slider and struck out on a splitter than spun well wide of the strike zone. “Every day you’re going to face someone who has something funky about them and for him it’s his release height. You try to watch the game, you try to see what he’s doing to other players and you try to communicate in the dugout.”Reporting from The Associated Press. Want the best stories delivered to your email? Follow leagues, players, and teams to receive a daily newsletter! Create or log into your FOX Sports Account to get started. FOLLOW Customize your FOX experience by following your favorite teams, players and leagues.
2025-10-29 14:20:08
Trey Yesavage’s Unusual Arm Angle Has Given Blue Jays Rookie An Advantage
