While the Blue Jays are gearing up for their AL Wild Card Series against the Mariners, the team is hoping to get back one of its aces back in the rotation.
Kevin Gausman’s status for the start of the MLB playoffs is up in the air as he deals with a finger injury. He left his final regular season start after three innings due to a cut on his right middle finger.
While Alek Manoah is in line to start Game 1, the Game 2 and potential Game 3 starters are still up in the air. If healthy, it is likely that Gausman would be set to start Game 2, however his injury could prohibit him from pitching on Saturday.
In his first season in Toronto, Gausman has been stellar. After signing a five-year, $110 million contract, the 31-year-old posted a 3.35 ERA over 174.2 innings pitched. He compiled a 12-10 record in 31 starts, striking out 205 batters, which led the Blue Jays. He and Manoah have been the two consistent starters in the rotation all season long, helping the Blue Jays to a second-place finish in the AL East and the top wild card spot.
The right-handed pitcher did throw a bullpen session on Thursday and it is likely that he will be re-evaluated after. His status for the wild card series will depend on how he feels after the training.
Possible Game 2 starter Kevin Gausman throwing his bullpen. Decision on his status may be based on his this goes. #Bluejays. pic.twitter.com/9lcxOIZH4o
— Rob Longley (@longleysunsport) October 6, 2022
Here is the latest information on Gausman’s injury and his status ahead of the Blue Jays vs. Mariners series.
What is Kevin Gausman’s injury?
Gausman exited his last start of the regular season early due to a cut on his right middle finger.
He pitched just three innings against the Red Sox before he was removed. Gausman said it is an injury that he has dealt with in the past, but hasn’t occurred in about 25 starts.
“In a different situation, even if this was two weeks prior, I’m staying in that game,” Gausman said after the injury. “With the postseason coming up, I didn’t want it to get any worse and possibly do something [worse].”
When will Kevin Gausman return?
There is the potential for Gausman to start in Game 2. However, manager John Schneider has not locked in anyone for either of Games 2 or 3.
It was an encouraging sign to see Gausman throw a bullpen session on Thursday ahead of the series. The team is confident that he will be ready and available in the postseason, but when or if he starts remains to be scene.
Who will pitch Game 2 for the Blue Jays?
If Gausman is not ready to go on Saturday, then it is likely Ross Stripling will get the ball for Game 2.
The righty was originally part of the bullpen to start the season, but injuries opened a spot in the rotation for the 32-year-old. He posted a 3.01 ERA over 32 starts this season, adding a 1.02 WHIP and 11 strikeouts over 134.1 innings pitched.
Stripling has postseason experience, appearing in playoff games as a Blue Jay in 2020 and during his tenure with the Dodgers. However, all of those came in relief, so this would be his first postseason start.
Blue Jays playoff schedule
The dates for the Blue Jays’ Wild Card Series are set, as the team will start the best-of-three set with Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 7, Game 2 on Saturday, Oct. 8 and a potential Game 3 on Sunday, Oct. 9.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Matchup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Friday, Oct. 7 | 4:07 p.m. | Blue Jays vs. Mariners |
| Game 2 | Saturday, Oct. 8 | 4:07 p.m. | Blue Jays vs. Mariners |
| Game 3* (if necessary) | Sunday, Oct. 9 | 2:07 p.m. | Blue Jays vs. Mariners |