Bob Haynie: Gausman Helps The Orioles Gain On Toronto
Kevin Gausman did his thing for the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night. The young righty pitched six strong innings as the Birds knocked off the first-place Toronto Blue Jays 4-2.
Gausman's second-straight quality outing helped the Orioles move to within 3.5 games of the Blue Jays in the AL East. His performance also continued a stretch of excellence from the Baltimore rotation. The starters have allowed two or fewer runs in 11 of their last 14 outings. They have pitched to a 0.67 ERA over the last four games.
For Gausman, it was yet another win over an opposing ace pitcher. Last Saturday, he went seven innings as the Orioles defeated the AL West leading Oakland A's and their fine RHP Sonny Gray. On Thursday, it was 10-game winner Mark Buehrle who felt the wrath of Kevin.
With RHP Miguel Gonzalez due to come off the DL this weekend, Baltimore manager Buck Showalter is going to have to make a decision or two as it relates to his staff. He is not going to a six-man rotation so, that means someone is headed to the bullpen.
The obvious choice is RHP Ubaldo Jimenez. But, of course, he makes millions and the Birds probably won't pull the plug on him. Yet.
On Friday night, Jimenez will get another opportunity to show that he is an asset to the rotation. Hopefully, he can come through.
If not, it will be interesting to see what Showalter decides to do with a starting staff that is beginning to trend in a positive direction.
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