The Toronto Blue Jays will send veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman to the mound on Friday, May 22, 2026, to open a weekend interleague series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Rogers Centre.
The Blue Jays enter the matchup with a 23-27 record, placing them third in the American League East.
They recently built momentum by securing a series win against the Detroit Tigers before taking the final two games in the Bronx with 2-1 and 2-0 victories.
Gausman is 3-3 with a 3.45 ERA and a 3.08 FIP through 10 starts this season.
He recently delivered six scoreless innings against Detroit.
Gausman has recorded six quality starts in 2026, bringing his total to 75 as a Blue Jay.
That milestone places him fifth all-time in franchise history with a 56% quality start rate among pitchers with at least 130 starts, trailing franchise legends Roy Halladay and Dave Stieb.
He is currently tied for 10th overall in total quality starts with R. A.
Dickey, Marcus Stroman, and Ricky Romero.
Gausman has maintained effectiveness despite a drop in strikeouts.
The 35-year-old right-hander holds a 22.9% strikeout rate overall, but that figure dropped to 16.8% over his last eight appearances after he recorded 21 strikeouts in his first two games of the year.
The visiting Pirates hold a 26-24 record and counter with 23-year-old prospect Bubba Chandler.
Chandler is 1-5 with a 5.14 ERA and struggles with control, leading the league with 31 walks allowed through 40 innings pitched.
Pittsburgh counters with a powerful offense against right-handed pitching, carrying a . 337 wOBA that trails only the Braves and Dodgers.
However, the Pirates are missing injured infielder/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn due to a quad injury.
The Blue Jays are also dealing with multiple roster losses, including catcher Alejandro Kirk, outfielder Nathan Lukes, and infielder/outfielder Addison Barger on the 10-day injured list.
Starting pitcher José Berríos remains sidelined on the 15-day injured list following Tommy John surgery.
Friday's game is scheduled for 7:07 p. m.
ET in Toronto, with radio coverage broadcasted on SN590 THE FAN.
