Blue Jays' Gausman will start Sunday vs. Rays

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 27: Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) acknowledges the crowd as he celebrates his 1500th career strikeout in the fourth inning during the regular season MLB game between the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays on June 27, 2023 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON.

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Toronto Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman will make his season debut on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager John Schneider announced Saturday, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun.

Gausman had a late start to his spring buildup after dealing with a shoulder issue. The 33-year-old threw a successful bullpen session on Friday.

Kevin Gausman bullpen session at the Trop (throwing to Serven). John Schneider said yesterday that there’ll likely be no decision on when he makes his season debut until Saturday. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/PI05KFapjV
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) March 29, 2024

Gausman looked sharp in his one spring start, striking out seven batters over three innings.

With Gausman set to get the ball on Sunday, Schneider also announced that right-hander Bowden Francis will start Monday's series opener against the Houston Astros.

Francis earned the No. 5 spot in the rotation after a shoulder injury to Alek Manoah. The 27-year-old posted a 2-1 record with a 3.38 ERA and 15 strikeouts over five spring appearances (four starts).