Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Kevin Gausman earns the Opening Day start for Toronto, setting an aggressive tone for a wildly important season.
Choosing the first pitcher of the year is always a deeply symbolic decision for a manager.
John Schneider is handing the baseball to a fierce competitor who consistently empties the tank. We desperately need that gritty leadership right out of the gate.
The 35-year-old righty battled through early struggles last year to finish with a 10-11 record and a 3.59 ERA.
The organization officially dropped this awesome hype video to celebrate our fearless ace getting the well-deserved nod.
The Wizard of Gaus ✨
Kevin Gausman is our #OpeningDay starter!
Kevin Gausman is our #OpeningDay starter!
His elite splitter remains one of the absolute most devastating pitches in the entire sport. When it falls off the table, elite hitters look completely lost.
Gausman racked up 189 strikeouts over 193 gritty innings last season.
Taking the ball on Opening Day is the ultimate honor for any starting pitcher.
Gausman anchors the rotation with undeniable veteran confidence
Seeing him take the mound for game one brings a wave of pure relief to this fanbase. We finally have a reliable rock setting the pace.
He reinvented himself multiple times throughout his lengthy career to reach this elite status.
Experiencing failure early in his professional journey only fueled his relentless competitive fire. He never stopped adapting his arsenal.
Now he commands immense respect from every single player wearing a Toronto uniform.
Younger arms constantly watch his intense preparation routines to learn the craft. The American League East constantly punishes unprepared pitching.
Winning the opener sets an inspiring winning standard for everyone else in the dugout.
This pitching staff has the raw talent to carry Toronto deep into October. Everything starts with the man throwing the very first pitch.
The stadium is going to be incredibly loud when he walks out onto the field.
Also read on Toronto Baseball Insider :
First look at the Toronto Blue Jays roster for Opening Day
First look at the Toronto Blue Jays roster for Opening Day
| POLL | ||
MARS 14|226 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays name their Opening Day starter Will Kevin Gausman pitch a flawless gem to secure an Opening Day victory? | ||
| Yes | 187 | 82.7 % |
| No | 39 | 17.3 % |
| List of polls | ||