Schultz Ties MLB, Franchise Strikeout Record in Debut

Paxton Schultz made a historic major league debut for the Toronto Blue Jays, striking out eight Seattle Mariners over 4 1/3 innings in relief, tying both the MLB record for strikeouts by a reliever in their debut and the franchise debut record. Schultz, who had not previously been invited to big league camp, was called up from Triple-A Buffalo after a roster shuffle and had recorded a 2.08 ERA in Buffalo this season despite a 4.48 career ERA in the minors. The Blue Jays lost the game 8-3 following early struggles by starter Easton Lucas. Meanwhile, top pitching prospect Trey Yesavage impressed in the minors with 10 strikeouts in five innings, accelerating his path toward the majors. These performances underscore both the immediate and future potential of Toronto's pitching staff, even as the organization faces generally low farm system rankings.