Kevin Gausman has done nothing but dominate since joining the Toronto Blue Jays before the 2022 season.
He had a 3.35 ERA in 174.2 frames last season, and has put up very similar numbers in 2023: a 3.30 ERA in 26 starts and 155.1 innings.
In both years he has surpassed the 200-strikeout mark.
He finished with 205 last season and, after punching out seven foes against the Washington Nationals on Monday, he has 202 in 2023.
His performance has earned him a place in Blue Jays franchise history.
“Kevin Gausman is the first AL pitcher to reach 200 strikeouts this season, and 3rd pitcher in Blue Jays franchise history to record 200 strikeouts in consecutive seasons, joining Roy Halladay and Roger Clemens,” TSN tweeted.
Kevin Gausman is the first AL pitcher to reach 200 strikeouts this season, and 3rd pitcher in Blue Jays franchise history to record 200 strikeouts in consecutive seasons, joining Roy Halladay and Roger Clemens🔥 pic.twitter.com/3k2eEyFWyr
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 29, 2023
Sharing a distinction with Halladay and Clemens isn’t so bad, is it?
They are perhaps the most talented pitchers ever to wear a Blue Jays uniform.
Gausman is, like them, a very talented pitcher who has a knack for accumulating strikeouts by the dozen.
Even in outings like he had on Monday, where he is not exactly dominant (he conceded three runs in five innings and allowed nine baserunners), he manages to rack up the Ks.
As a result, he is firmly one of the candidates to win the AL Cy Young.
He might not be a favorite, but the chances are there.
Perhaps more importantly, he is tasked with leading the Jays rotation as the team tries to make a late charge for the postseason.
With a 72-60 record, the Jays are 2.5 games behind the third and last Wild Card spot in the junior circuit in a very competitive league.
NEXT: Stats Show How Valuable George Springer Is To The Blue Jays
