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.
