Gausman Gets the Ball: Blue Jays Announce Starter for ALDS Game 1 Against Yankees
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Published: October 6, 2023
The Toronto Blue jays will turn to veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman to start Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees this Saturday. The proclamation came Friday from Blue Jays manager John schneider during a media session at Rogers Center, ahead of team workouts.
Gausman’s Regular Season Performance
Gausman concluded the 2023 regular season with a 10-11 record, a 3.59 earned run average, adn an notable 189 strikeouts across 32 starts. His experience and strikeout ability make him a key piece in the Blue Jays’ postseason rotation.
Yankees Yet to Announce Their Pitcher
While the Blue Jays have solidified their Game 1 starter, the Yankees have not yet revealed who will take the mound against Gausman. The yankees are scheduled to hold batting practice Friday evening.
Bichette Remains Day-to-day
Toronto’s shortstop, Bo Bichette, continues to be listed as day-to-day. He missed the final three weeks of the regular season due to a left knee sprain, and his availability for Game 1 remains uncertain. Schneider provided the update during the same media availability.
Series Rosters Expected Saturday
Both the Blue Jays and the Yankees are expected to release their 26-man rosters for the ALDS on Saturday morning, providing a clearer picture of each team’s postseason plans.
Regular Season Standings
Both Toronto and New York finished the regular season with identical 94-68 records. Though, the Blue Jays secured the top seed in the ALDS by virtue of a superior head-to-head record against the Yankees.
Yankees Advance through Wild Card
The Yankees earned their spot in the ALDS with a decisive 4-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox in the final game of the three-game Wild Card Series on Thursday night.
Yankees’ Recent Postseason History
New York enjoyed a prosperous postseason run last year, winning the American league pennant before ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
Blue Jays Seek First Postseason Win Since 2016
The Blue Jays are aiming to break a postseason drought, having last secured a postseason victory in 2016. They have been swept in three consecutive Wild Card Series appearances between 2020 and 2023.
