Date: October 29, 2025
Source: Dodger Blue (YouTube)
After a dominant Game 5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider met with reporters to discuss Trey Yesavage’s historic performance, the team’s aggressive approach at the plate, and the mindset heading home to Toronto with a chance to clinch the World Series. Schneider also praised Alejandro Kirk’s evolution behind the plate and the collective poise that continues to define this Blue Jays team.
For more Jays coverage, visit the Toronto Blue Jays page on Toronto Sports Pulse.
On Trey Yesavage’s Performance
“He was pretty good — historic stuff. On this stage, to get ahead of hitters and still generate that much swing-and-miss, that’s special. The slider and split were electric. Game 1 he didn’t have a feel for his split — tonight, it was different. I’m kind of blown away at what he did.”
On the Team’s Aggressive Approach Against Blake Snell
“You never know what adjustments pitchers are going to make when you face them again in a series, but the plan was to be ready to hit. Schneider and Vlad both jumped early, and that two-run cushion for Trey was big. Against a guy like Snell, you’ve got to attack mistakes in the zone.”
On Yesavage Changing the Team’s Ceiling
“When we called him up with 12 or 13 games left, we didn’t know exactly how it would unfold — we just knew he had the talent. He’s raised our ceiling in every way. He’s not just pitching well — he’s handling everything that comes with it: preparation, media, and teammates. He’s been awesome.”
On Yesavage’s Poise and Composure
“That play on the first batter — the bobbled grounder and the little shovel flip — it’s a weird example of poise, but it says everything. He mishandles the ball, smiles, and flips it for an out. That gives you confidence that he’s in the right frame of mind.”
On Yesavage Pitching Deep into the Game
“It was uncharted territory for him, pitch-count wise, but I didn’t think there was anyone better in our bullpen. He kept saying, ‘I feel great,’ and you trust that. Just an unbelievable performance.”
On the Game Plan Against Snell’s Fastball
“Against a really good pitcher, you’ve got to be ready to hit. That’s been our strategy — there’s a time to grind and a time to swing. Vlad’s and Schneider’s at-bats were perfect examples. Sometimes it just works out the way you planned it.”
On Alejandro Kirk’s Leadership Behind the Plate
“Kirky has evolved so much — not just this year but in the postseason. The way he’s handled the staff, called games, and adjusted has been outstanding. You can’t win at this level without a catcher who’s steady and locked in like that. He’s been nails.”
On Andrés Giménez’s Consistency
“These guys are ready for the moment. Whether it’s getting a guy over or working a deep count, they know what needs to be done in real time. That’s mental toughness. Giménez is a baseball player — and when you have a bunch of baseball players around each other, it gets contagious.”
On Handing the Ball to Kevin Gausman for Game 6
“It always feels good to give Kev the ball — whether it’s spring training or the World Series. He’s been our guy. We’ll enjoy this win, enjoy the flight, and be ready for another tough game. I can’t wait to see what Rogers Centre will look, feel, and sound like.”
Pulse Takeaway
John Schneider praised Trey Yesavage’s maturity and dominance as the Blue Jays took control of the World Series with a statement Game 5 win. Between disciplined hitting, elite catching from Kirk, and a calm, focused team culture, Toronto heads home confident — and on the verge of history.
Quotes from John Schneider via Dodger Blue (YouTube). Used for analysis and commentary.