Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman has made history by becoming the first pitcher with 10+ strikeouts and no walks in his first two starts of the season. This is a record the MLB has never seen since at least the 1900s.
Gausman played six innings and struck out 11 batters in his first start of the 2026 season. The Blue Jays went on to beat the Athletics in that game 3-2.
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In Gausman’s second start, he struck out another 10 batters in six innings played. Despite the impressive showing, the Blue Jays would lose the game to the Colorado Rockies in extra innings.
It wasn’t the only record Gausman broke, as he also made history within the Blue Jays organization. The 21 strikeouts Gausman recorded in his first two starts of the season are the most by any Blue Jays pitcher in the organization’s existence.
Despite both games ending in a no decision for the right-handed pitcher, Gausman has remained calm and continues to let his pitching do the talking for him. He will have to wait until he earns his first pitcher victory of the season.
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When speaking to The Canadian Press about how he felt after the team’s loss to the Rockies, Gausman remained “unbothered” but voiced a bit of displeasure after the great game he had. “My job when I pitch is to win the game, and when we don’t, whatever happens, I’m not going to be satisfied,” Gausman said.
Mar 27, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) walks towards the dugout against the Athletics during the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The 35-year-old pitcher has been around in the MLB for quite some time but even coming into his 14th season in the major league, Gausman continues to display his pitching prowess. His arrival to Tonto in 2022 was a huge booster for the team.
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In four seasons with the Blue Jays, Gausman has participated in the playoffs three out of four times. Gausman played a major role in helping the Blue Jays make it all the way to the World Series in 2025, where the Blue Jays would ultimately fall short against the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games.
With a historical season on the horizon for Gausman, the right-handed pitcher will continue to display his dominant pitching on the mound and help guide the team back to another World Series appearance as soon as possible. Gausman will look to guide the Blue Jays to their first World Series win since the organization’s back-to-back championship wins in 1992 and 1993.
Related: Phillies’ Rob Thomson Announces Reason for Justin Crawford Decision After Two Losses
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.