Toronto Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman will be scratched from his start on Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks with left side discomfort.
According to the team, an MRI “showed no concerns”and Gausman is described as day-to-day, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reports.
With Gausman unable to pitch, Chris Bassitt will start in his place against Arizona’s Zac Gallen.
This would have been Gausman’s first start out of the All-Star break, which the pitcher opted not to play in in order to get rest and spend time with family.
The 32-year-old right-hander has had a fantastic first half of the season for the Blue Jays, as he leads the American League in strikeouts with 153. He has a 7-5 overall record with a 3.03 ERA.
Toronto takes on Arizona with first pitch scheduled for 3:07 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and SN NOW.
The Diamondbacks could use one of Gallen’s top-notch efforts on Saturday. They have lost six of their past eight games.
In nine of his 19 starts, Gallen has allowed no more than one run while pitching at least six innings. He beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in his final start before the All-Star break, giving up one run and four hits over seven innings on July 7.
Gallen, 27, also has fanned 11 or more batters four times. He has struck out 125 in 118 1/3 innings.
Gallen has never faced the Blue Jays. He has given up homers to Brandon Belt (3-for-20) and George Springer (1-for-6) when those players were with other teams.
However, Gallen has struggled on the road with a 2-3 mark and 5.08 ERA in nine starts. At home, he is 9-0 with a 1.48 ERA in 10 outings.
Toronto has won six of its past seven games.
Bassitt has not suffered a loss since June 13. The Blue Jays have won his past three starts, thanks in part to his 21 strikeouts and just four walks across 16 innings.
Bassitt is 3-0 with a 3.09 ERA in four career starts against the Diamondbacks.
Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano (lower back tightness) wasn’t needed on Friday but is expected to be available on Saturday if the club is in a save situation.
