TORONTO, Canada (AFP) — Toronto Blue Jays rookie Trey Yesavage will become the second-youngest pitcher in history to start a World Series opener when he lines up against Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday (Manila time).

Yesavage, 22, was named on Thursday to start game one as the Blue Jays look to draw first blood against the defending Major League Baseball champions in the best-of-seven series.

The hard-throwing right-hander is the youngest pitcher to start a game one since Ralph Branca opened the 1947 World Series for the Dodgers at the age of 21 years and 267 days.

The choice of Yesavage to open on Friday caps a remarkable rise for the rookie, who started the 2025 season playing in the minor leagues for Single-A Blue Jays affiliate Dunedin — the fifth tier of baseball in the United States.

After making only three regular-season starts, Yesavage has shone in the post-season, striking out 11 batters in a 13-7 win over the New York Yankees, and winning a pivotal game six against Seattle in the American League Championship Series.

The opener represents the sternest test yet for Yesavage, who will face a Dodgers batting lineup led by Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

Yesavage admitted on Thursday he could still scarcely believe the evolution of his season.

“I wake up every single morning and I thank the Lord that I’m here in this situation,” Yesavage said. 

“It’s something I never even would have dreamed of, but I’m here now and I’m embracing it fully.”

Asked about the prospect of facing Ohtani, Yesavage replied: “He’s a special player. He can do damage on both sides of the baseball.”