Gausman confident in Blue Jays' rotation: 'Whoever is pitching' is our ace

Kevin Gausman is entering the 2023 season confident in himself and the entire Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff.

"I definitely consider myself an ace, but I would say whoever is pitching that night is our ace," Gausman said, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun. "I think we have a couple of guys on this team that on any given night can shut down an offense."

Gausman has been excellent this spring, posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, and 18 strikeouts across 13 2/3 innings (four starts).

The 32-year-old is entering the second season of a five-year, $110-million contract. He was terrific in his first campaign with the Blue Jays, racking up 205 strikeouts and a 3.35 ERA over 174 2/3 innings.

Alongside 2022 Cy Young finalist Alek Manoah, Gausman is in consideration to be Toronto's Opening Day starter against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Blue Jays added right-hander Chris Bassitt to their staff in December, signing him to a three-year, $63-million contract. Toronto is expected to begin the campaign with right-hander Jose Berrios and left-hander Yusei Kikuchi rounding out the rotation.