Blue Jays Gameday (May 11th): Kevin Gausman starts Monday’s series opener against Rays
Photo credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
May 11, 2026, 18:15 EDTUpdated: May 11, 2026, 18:13 EDT
The Toronto Blue Jays start this week off with a three-game series at home against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Just one week ago, the Blue Jays managed to score just four runs in a three game series at Tropicana Field. That isn’t too surprising, as the Rays have given up just 24 runs since April 22nd, by far the fewest in Major League Baseball.
The Blue Jays’ roster will look a little bit different heading into the series, well, kind of. Addison Barger was activated on Saturday, threw out a runner at home, and now is on the 10-day injured list due to a sore elbow. Replacing him on the 26-man roster is Yohendrick Piñango, who had four hits against the Rays last week.
Additionally, the Blue Jays designated Eric Lauer for assignment ahead of Monday’s game. Taking his spot on the pitching staff is Yariel Rodríguez, who had a solid 2025 season, before struggling in the postseason. Last off-season, Rodríguez was DFA’d, but got off to a good start with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
Starting for the Blue Jays is Kevin Gausman. His last start was against the Rays, pitching six innings of two-run ball in an eventual loss. Starting that game for the Rays was Drew Rasmussen, who gave up three of the four runs the Jays scored in the series. Kazuma Okamoto took him deep for his 10th home run of the season.
Okamoto is in the lineup, batting fourth. The returning Piñango is also in the lineup, as the left-handed pitcher is slated to hit second against Rasmussen, a righty. George Springer leads off, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits third.
There are three other left-handed hitters in the Blue Jays’ lineup, as Daulton Varsho and Jesús Sánchez hit fifth and sixth respectively. Andrés Giménez bats eighth, sandwiched between Ernie Clement and Brandon Valenzuela in the batting order.
Let’s set up Monday’s series opener!
Location: Toronto
First Pitch: 7:07 PM ET
Watch/Listen: Sportsnet One, SN590
Starting Pitchers
Toronto Blue Jays – Kevin Gausman: 2-2 record, 3.09 ERA, 46.2 IP, 43 SO, 9 BB
Tampa Bay Rays – Drew Rasmussen: 2-1 record, 2.95 ERA, 36.2 IP, 37 SO, 6 BB
Lineups:
Blue Jays:
- George Springer – DH
- Yohendrick Piñango – LF
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B
- Kazuma Okamoto – 3B
- Daulton Varsho – CF
- Jesús Sánchez – RF
- Ernie Clement – 2B
- Andrés Giménez – SS
- Brandon Valenzuela – C
Rays:
- Chandler Simpson – LF
- Junior Caminero – 3B
- Jonathan Aranda – 1B
- Yandy Díaz – DH
- Jake Fraley – RF
- Richie Palacios – 2B
- Cedric Mullins – CF
- Hunter Feuccia – C
- Taylor Walls – SS
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.
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