Blue Jays Announce Kevin Gausman as Starting Pitcher for ALCS Game 1 Against Mariners

Gausman to lead Blue Jays into ALCS Opener Against mariners

October 11,2025

The Toronto Blue Jays will launch their bid for the American League championship with Kevin Gausman on the mound,as the team confirmed Saturday he will start Game 1 against the Seattle mariners.The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Sunday evening.

gausman’s Impressive Recent Form

This season, the Right-Handed Pitcher has compiled a 10-11 record with an impressive 3.59 Earned Run Average. Notably, his performance surged in September, boasting a 2.78 ERA over five starts. This late-season dominance positions him as a key figure in the Blue jays’ playoff aspirations. In 2024, according to Statista, starting pitchers with an ERA under 3.60 saw their teams win approximately 54% of their games.

A Familiar Opponent

Gausman previously faced the Mariners earlier this year, on May 9th, delivering a strong performance in a 7-3 Blue Jays victory, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing three runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. Over his 13-year Major League Baseball career, he has a 2-4 record in 12 appearances against Seattle, maintaining a 2.94 ERA and 1.137 WHIP.

Mariners’ Response Still Pending

The Seattle Mariners have yet to reveal their starting pitcher for the series opener, following their hard-fought 15-inning win against the Detroit Tigers on Friday. The Mariners’ extended game undoubtedly presents a challenge in determining their pitching rotation.

Game Details

Fans can catch Game 1 live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m.PT. Gausman also started the opening game of the ALDS against the New York Yankees last week, where he pitched 5.2 innings, conceding one run, four hits, and two walks, while recording three strikeouts.

statistic	Value
Season Record	10-11
ERA (Season)	3.59
ERA (September)	2.78
Record vs. Mariners	2-4
ERA vs.Mariners	2.94

did You Know? Kevin Gausman has increased his fastball velocity by an average of 1.2 mph in the past two seasons, contributing to his improved strikeout rate.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Mariners’ bullpen management in this series, as fatigue from their recent 15-inning game could play a important role.

the Importance of Starting Pitching in the Playoffs

Historically,dominant starting pitching is a cornerstone of playoff success. Teams with reliable starters are better equipped to navigate the pressures of postseason baseball and consistently deliver quality starts. A strong starting pitcher can set the tone for an entire series, providing a significant advantage over their opponents.

Frequently Asked Questions about the ALCS

• What is the meaning of Kevin Gausman starting Game 1? Gausman’s strong recent performance and experiance make him a critical asset for the Blue Jays as they begin their quest for the AL Championship.
• Who is expected to start for the Seattle Mariners in Game 1? The Mariners have not yet announced their Game 1 starter,following their lengthy game against the Detroit Tigers.
• Where can fans watch the ALCS Game 1? Fans can watch the game on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ on Sunday evening.
• What has been Gausman’s career performance against the Mariners? Over 12 appearances, Gausman has a 2-4 record with a 2.94 ERA against Seattle.
• How significant is starting pitching to playoff success? Historically, strong starting pitching is crucial for success in the playoffs, providing stability and momentum.

What are your predictions for the ALCS? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What is kevin Gausman’s ERA for the 2025 season?

Gausman Gets the Nod in Crucial ALCS Opener

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed today, October 11, 2025, that right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman will be on the mound for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners. This marks a significant moment for both Gausman and the Blue Jays, as they aim to secure an early advantage in the best-of-seven series. The game is scheduled for [Time] at Rogers Center.

Gausman’s 2025 Season Performance & Playoff Experience

Gausman has been a cornerstone of the Blue Jays’ pitching rotation throughout the 2025 season. his statistics demonstrate a consistent ability to deliver quality starts.

* Record: 16-7

* ERA: 3.04

* Strikeouts: 235 (leading the AL)

* WHIP: 1.15

His impressive numbers earned him consideration for the AL Cy Young Award. Gausman’s experience in high-pressure situations is also a key factor in Schneider’s decision.He’s pitched in multiple postseason games, including a strong performance in the wild Card Series against the Tampa bay Rays, where he threw six scoreless innings. Analyzing his pitch repertoire – a fastball averaging 95 mph, a devastating splitter, and a sharp curveball – reveals why he’s so effective against a variety of hitters.

Mariners lineup & Gausman’s Historical Matchups

The Seattle Mariners boast a potent lineup, featuring sluggers Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh. Historically, Gausman has had mixed results against Seattle.

* Julio Rodríguez: Gausman has struggled against Rodríguez in the past, with the Mariners’ star batting .310 with two home runs in 26 at-bats.

* Cal Raleigh: Raleigh has a .250 average against Gausman, with one home run.

* J.P. Crawford: Crawford has proven to be a tough out for Gausman, hitting .286 with a .364 on-base percentage.

The Blue Jays’ pitching coaches have been meticulously studying video and data to identify potential weaknesses in the Mariners’ hitters and formulate a game plan for Gausman. Expect to see a strategic mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches designed to keep Seattle’s hitters off balance.

Impact of Rogers Centre & Home-Field Advantage

The Blue jays will have the advantage of playing Game 1 at Rogers Centre, a stadium known for its lively atmosphere and supportive fanbase. Home-field advantage in the playoffs is a significant factor, and the Blue Jays are hoping to capitalize on the energy of their crowd. The stadium’s dimensions and playing surface also favor pitchers like Gausman, who rely on movement and control.

Blue Jays Bullpen Strategy Behind Gausman

With Gausman expected to pitch around 90-100 pitches, the Blue Jays’ bullpen will be crucial in securing a victory. Key relievers expected to be available include:

1. Jordan romano (Closer): Romano has been lights-out all season, converting 38 of 42 save opportunities.
2. Yimi García (Setup): García provides a reliable bridge to Romano in the late innings.
3. Erik Swanson (Long Relief): Swanson offers versatility and can pitch multiple innings if needed.

Schneider will likely employ a speedy hook with Gausman if he encounters trouble, prioritizing keeping the Mariners’ offense in check. the effectiveness of the bullpen will be a key storyline to watch throughout the ALCS.

Potential ALCS Rotation Following Game 1

Looking ahead, the Blue Jays’ potential ALCS rotation could look like this:

* Game 2: José Berríos

* Game 3 (at Seattle): Chris Bassitt

* Game 4 (at seattle): Yusei Kikuchi

This rotation provides a balance of experience and talent, giving the Blue Jays a strong chance to compete with the Mariners. Though, the rotation is subject to change based on game results and player availability.

Key Storylines to Watch in Game 1

Beyond Gausman’s performance, several key storylines will shape the outcome of Game 1:

* Mariners’ Starting Pitcher: The Mariners have yet to announce their starting pitcher for Game 1.

* Offensive production: Both teams will need to generate offense to succeed.

* Defensive Play: Solid defense will be crucial in preventing costly errors.

* Managing the Strike zone: