Kevin Gausman will start Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Blue Jays look to avoid a sweep and end a four-game losing skid (4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT, Sportsnet, Sportsnet+).
It’s been a frustrating series for Toronto, with its offence once again struggling to generate timely hits, putting pressure on the starters to keep the score close.
Gausman (0-1, 2.82 ERA) has been one of the few steady presences early in the season, pairing a strong WHIP (0.90) with 31 strikeouts. The 35-year-old has dominated the Diamondbacks over his career with a 6-2 record, 3.23 ERA and 64 strikeouts over 53 innings across 10 appearances.
For the season, Toronto (7-13) has struggled to find consistency, especially on the road, where it has dropped seven of eight. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has a home run, 12 walks and eight RBIs while hitting .315 this season, has lacked the power that dotted his epic post-season run last year.
Unfortunately for the Blue Jays, Daulton Varsho, remains sidelined with left knee discomfort. The 29-year-old is 12-for-36 with three doubles, three home runs and six RBIs over his last 10 games.
The Blue Jays will also need to think about their high-leverage situations after Jeff Hoffman surrendered a go-ahead grand slam to Corbin Carroll in Saturday’s 6-2 loss, renewing questions about the bullpen hierarchy even as manager John Schneider publicly backs his closer.
“I know that’s a that’s a hot topic, or if you’re moving a batting order or you’re taking a guy out of a role, man. Again, I have a lot of confidence in Jeff Hoffman,” Schneider told reporters after Saturday’s loss. “I feel for him right now because he’s going through it and I get it. When you’re in that spot, it gets magnified. And that’s part of it. He’s man enough to handle it. So, yeah, if there’s a situation to close out a game, I’ll take Jeff Hoffman.”
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Opposing Gausman is Ryne Nelson (1-1, 3.54 ERA), who has put together solid outings to begin the year. For his career, the 28-year-old has a 1-0 record with a 2.45 ERA, 12 strikeouts and two walks over 18.1 innings and three appearances against the Blue Jays in his career.
Arizona (13-8) enters the series finale with momentum, going 8-2 over its last 10 games while outscoring opponents by 21 runs. The Diamondbacks been particularly strong at home (7-2), backed by a pitching staff that ranks among the National League’s best with a 3.72 ERA.
