Cubs’ Gausman preferred not to start against Blue Jays: ‘Glad I’m not facing them’

If Gausman stayed on turn, he would have faced his former team in his Chicago Cubs debut. However, his start has been moved to Friday against the Royals, and David Peterson will take the bump on Thursday against the Blue Jays (2:20 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+).

Gausman said to reporters he “didn’t necessarily ask” that his start get pushed past the Blue Jays, “but I was like, ‘could we please not?'”

“I just know it would be a lot. I just want to focus on trying to win a game and pitching against them. I think I could do it; I know those hitters pretty well over there, their strengths, their weaknesses. But I think it would be a lot mentally,” he continued. “For them, too. Really close with all those guys. Wish them nothing but the best. Looking forward to watching us play them today and seeing those guys again, but definitely glad I’m not facing them.”

Gausman spent the past four and a half seasons in Toronto after signing a five-year $110-million deal ahead of the 2022 season that at the time was a record for a Blue Jays starter.

Gausman ranks in the top 10 in career Blue Jays starts, strikeouts, ERA, and WAR, and was a crucial part of Toronto’s rotation during its 2025 World Series run. 

Due to the Blue Jays’ struggles this campaign and Gausman’s expiring deal, he was shipped to the Cubs in exchange for Brett Bateman and Ty Southisene over the weekend.

Gausman’s results have dipped in 2026 as he’s pitched to a 4.38 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 23 starts.