Trey Yesavage’s remarkable journey to the majors continues to captivate fans, especially following his standout performance in Game 1 of the 2025 World Series. The 22-year-old rookie delivered a stunning moment by striking out Shohei Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, during his very first at-bat in the Fall Classic.
Yesavage showcased his exceptional skill by getting Ohtani to miss on a splitter located at the knees, marking a significant achievement as it was Ohtani’s first swinging strikeout on that pitch type since May 6. Notably, Ohtani had not been struck out on a splitter, either swinging or looking, since July 3.
Ohtani’s reputation as a hitter is formidable, reflected in his impressive .682 slugging percentage against splitters during both the regular season and playoffs, ranking third among players who have faced over 100 pitches of that type. Pitchers often shy away from using splitters against him, throwing it only 3.8% of the time due to his proficiency in smashing the pitch.
However, Yesavage proved to be the exception. The six-foot-four right-hander possesses one of baseball’s highest release points and steepest arm angles, contributing to his effectiveness. His splitter has yielded an astounding .119 batting average and a .262 slugging percentage against batters.
The matchup was a thrilling display of talent—a standout hitter confronted by an elite splitter pitcher—ultimately leading to a memorable victory for Yesavage. This performance not only enhances his burgeoning reputation but also adds excitement to the World Series spotlight, symbolizing the bright future ahead for this young pitching sensation.