Blair & Barker Trey's a Crowd: Yesavage Joins Berríos & Bieber on IL + Jeff Passan!
Mar 19, 2026
Jeff Passan, ESPN MLB insider known for labor and baseball coverage. He discusses how the World Baseball Classic’s momentum could shape MLB labor talks. Conversation covers the WBC’s cultural impact and growth. They also examine strategic IL decisions for starters and expectations for Gerrit Cole returning from Tommy John.
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Trey Yesavage Starts Season On IL For Long Term Health
- The Blue Jays will open Trey Yesavage on the IL with a right shoulder impingement to slow-play his workload.
- Kevin Barker says the team prioritized long-term health over early-season availability given his workload and reduced velocity in camp.
Rotation Built Around Two Studs And Flexible Depth
- The Jays planned rotation flexibility around two dependable aces and multiple depth arms rather than a rigid eight-starter model.
- Kevin Barker argues performance will determine who starts, with Scherzer and another ace anchoring the staff while others fill based on readiness.
Protect High Leverage Arms From Two-Inning Overuse
- Manage high-leverage relievers' workloads to avoid early-season overuse and late-season breakdowns.
- Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker caution against two-inning abuse of Jeff Hoffman and others, preferring matchup-driven short appearances.