While the Blue Jays are gearing up for their AL Wild Card Series against the Mariners, the team is hoping to get 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, but 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 2/3 innings pitched. He compiled a 12-10 record in 31 starts and led the team with 205 strikeouts. He and Manoah have been the most consistent starters on a Blue Jays team that finished second in the AL East and earned the top wild-card spot.
The right-hander threw a bullpen session Thursday and he will be re-evaluated after that. His status for the series will depend on how he feels.
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
MORE: Sporting News experts make picks for 2022 MLB postseason
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 because of a cut on his right middle finger.
He pitched just three innings against the Red Sox before he was removed. Gausman said that he has dealt with this injury in the past but it hadn'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?
Gausman could start Game 2 against Seattle, but Jays manager John Schneider has not locked in anyone for of Game 2 or Game 3.
It was an encouraging sign to see Gausman throw a bullpen session Thursday ahead of the series. The team is confident that he will be available in the postseason, but when or if he starts remains to be seen.
Who will pitch Game 2 for the Blue Jays?
If Gausman is not ready to go Saturday, then it is likely Ross Stripling will get the ball.
The right-hander began the season in the bullpen, but injuries opened a spot in the rotation for the 32-year-old. He posted a 3.01 ERA over 32 games (24 starts), with a 1.02 WHIP and 111 strikeouts over 134 1/3 innings pitched.
Stripling has postseason experience, appearing in one game with the Blue Jays in 2020 and 11 during his tenure with the Dodgers (three in the World Series). Those appearances all came in relief, however.
Blue Jays playoff schedule
The dates for the Blue Jays' Wild Card Series are set: the team will start the best-of-three set with Game 1 on Friday, Oct. 7. Game 2 is Saturday, Oct. 8, and Game 3 (if necessary) will be 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 |
