Snell to Start Game 1 vs. Rookie Yesavage

The Toronto Blue Jays advanced to the 2025 World Series — their first trip since 1993 — beating the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in ALCS Game 7 after George Springer’s three‑run homer in the bottom of the seventh, and will host the Los Angeles Dodgers for Games 1-2 at Rogers Centre. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was named ALCS MVP as Toronto rode a potent offense led by Guerrero and Springer and starting pitching from Shane Bieber, Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer and rookie Trey Yesavage, with relievers preserving the Game 7 win (Jeff Hoffman struck out the side in the ninth). Game 1 on Friday at Rogers Centre will feature Dodgers lefty Blake Snell against Blue Jays rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage. Snell, limited to 11 regular-season starts by a shoulder issue, has been dominant in the postseason (three starts, 21 innings, sub-1.00 ERA and 28 strikeouts). Yesavage, 22, made only three regular-season starts, has more postseason starts than regular-season starts (4.20 postseason ERA) and relies in part on an unusual high-arm-angle splitter. The Dodgers enter as heavy favorites with a deep, star-studded rotation, but Yesavage’s unfamiliarity and Toronto’s hot offense make the series potentially competitive.