Blue Jays' Kevin Gausman cruising as a bona fide ace

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Blue Jays' Kevin Gausman cruising as a bona fide ace

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Apr 20, 2026 12:04 AM ET

Kevin Gausman earned his first win of the season in the Toronto Blue Jays' 10-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Run support has been hard to come by with Gausman, but the Blue Jays scored eight runs in the first inning, finally providing offense for their bona fide ace.

But even during the offensive drought, Gausman has shown his reliability. The veteran became the first pitcher since at least 1900 to dish out 10+ strikeouts and no walks in each of his first two starts of a season.

Despite the Blue Jays' inconsistencies, Gausman has put on a strong performance, demonstrating his elite dominance in the rotation. In his first four starts this season, he recorded 31 strikeouts.

Kevin Gausman day is done:
6 IP
7 H
2 ER
1 BB
4 K

Our ace is on the loose to start 2026. pic.twitter.com/IXzqDVSztN
— Gate 14 Podcast (@Gate14Pod) April 19, 2026

Kevin Gausman boasts a dominant fastball-splitter combination

Gausman's success this season has showcased a dominant four-seam fastball and splitter combination. Evidently, he has adjusted his approach to rely more heavily on the splitter.

His increased usage of the splitter has also been more effective against left-handed hitters.

Gausman has been experimenting with the splitter by adjusting his grip and throwing it at different speeds. Overall, the dominance of his splitter has generated a 47.1% chase rate, indicating good results.

When Gausman's splitter and fastball are thrown, it fools hitters, and they are difficult to distinguish. But what makes the splitter a weapon is that it makes a sharp drop.

Due to his increased reliance on the splitter, hitters have been focusing on it. This has permitted Gausman to utilize his four-seam fastball at the bottom of the strike zone, which has generated more strikeouts.

Gausman has created a strong presence as one of the top starters in the rotation alongside Dylan Cease. His expected earned run average (xERA) ranks in the 88th percentile at 2.43, which ranks him 13th in MLB.

Gausman has also illustrated durability by successfully pitching deep into games without having to overload the bullpen.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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