Kevin Gausman Set for World Series Debut After 13-Year Wait

UPDATE: After a lengthy wait, Kevin Gausman is ready to make his long-anticipated World Series debut as the Toronto Blue Jays have named him the starter for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, scheduled for October 24, 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the 34-year-old veteran, who has spent 13 seasons in Major League Baseball.

Gausman, who has played for five teams throughout his career, expressed his excitement in a press conference earlier today. “Every year you go into the season with the hope that you’re one of the last two teams playing. That just hasn’t been the reality for me,” he stated, emphasizing the thrill of finally showcasing his talent on baseball’s biggest stage.

In the regular season, Gausman was a standout for Toronto, posting a 3.59 earned-run average with 189 strikeouts over 193 innings. His postseason performance has been stellar as well, with a 2-1 record and a 2.00 ERA in four appearances, further solidifying his role as a key player in this championship run.

Gausman began his career with the Baltimore Orioles before moving through teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. He joined the Blue Jays as a free agent in 2022 and has since become a pivotal part of their pitching lineup. His journey has been transformative, credited largely to the Giants’ coaching staff who encouraged him to develop a unique pitching style focused on his splitter.

In a dramatic turn of events, Gausman played a crucial role in the American League Championship Series, securing a win in Game 7 against the Seattle Mariners after pitching an inning of relief. His performance included the decisive moment when teammate George Springer hit a three-run homer, propelling Toronto to victory.

Looking ahead, Blue Jays manager John Schneider highlighted the strategic decision to pair Gausman with rookie Trey Yesavage as starters for the series. Schneider emphasized the importance of matchups against a formidable Dodgers lineup, stating, “This is a really, really good lineup we’re going against, especially at the top of the order.”

As anticipation builds for Game 2, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to pitch for the Dodgers, bringing his impressive postseason record of 1.83 ERA and 18 strikeouts into the matchup.

The excitement surrounding Gausman’s debut is palpable, as fans and teammates alike look forward to witnessing his performance under the bright lights. “It’s been a crazy ride and now we are here,” Gausman concluded, reflecting on his journey and the collective aspiration of the Blue Jays to claim the championship.

As the World Series unfolds, all eyes will be on Gausman and the Blue Jays as they aim to secure their first title in franchise history. Stay tuned for the latest updates as the series progresses.