Blue Jays promote trio of pitchers

The trio have been dominating opposing hitters down in Dunedin. Now, they'll join Blue Jays shortstop and fellow top prospect Arjun Nimmala on the Canadians. Yesavage in particular has been particularly outstanding, garnering a 2.43 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 33.1 innings.

Stephen, who was drafted a round after Yesavage last year and out 22 is the elder statesman of the group, has been equally impressive. Through 39.1 innings pitched for Dunedin, Stephen has a 2.06 ERA and 48 strikeouts.

Stanifer, the least-known and most unheralded of the three, has dramatically increased his stock after being a 19th round draft pick in 2022. So far this season, he has a sparkling 0.69 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 26 innings.

In addition to those three, No. 20 overall prospect Ryan Jennings has also been moved up from Double-A New Hampshire to Triple-A Buffalo. Jennings, who projects to be a multi-inning reliever, is a good candidate to follow and is of similar vein to Mason Fluharty and Braydon Fisher, both of whom have flourished since making their major league debuts.

The key now is making sure everyone stays on course The Blue Jays have long struggled at the development level with keeping their pitchers; they currently have eight in recovery from Tommy John surgery.

While the trio of Yesavage, Stephen, and Stanifer are still a couple of years away, Jennings could conceivably receive a call-up later this year.

The future is bright. Now the Jays just have to get there.