As expected, the Toronto Blue Jays are not counting on ace right-hander Kevin Gausman being available to make the start on opening day against the Tampa Bay Rays on March 28.
Gausman, who has been dealing with shoulder fatigue, was scheduled to throw one inning of live batting practice on Friday.
"Kev probably thinks the same, opening day would be pretty tough right now for him," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. "You just want him to be good. And if that means 30 starts as opposed to 32 or whatever it is, we'll be happy with that."
Jose Berrios, based on his pitching schedule, looks to be most likely in line to make the opening-day start.
Schneider says if the inning of live batting practice goes well, the next step will be multiple innings in a spring-training game.
Schneider said the team wants him built up to 70 or 75 pitches before he starts a regular-season game.
"Hopefully he stays on turn and on course, but you don't want to hamstring yourself with a really low pitch count, as enticing as that may be," Schneider said.
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