Blue Jays vs Pirates: Starting Lineup - Opening Game Preview

Toronto will stay on turn through its next series against the Pittsburgh Pirates as Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt are slated to start during the three-game set.

Blue Jays veteran Kevin Gausman (8-9) 3.79 era takes the hill versus Pirates ace Paul Skenes (7-9) 2.13 era. First pitch is at 6:40 PM ET on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

Pirates ace Paul Skenes will take the mound taking on an unfamiliar opponent.

This marks the first time that Skenes has pitched against the Blue Jays in his MLB career, since making his debut on May 11, 2024.

Skenes has dominated when he's pitched in Pittsburgh, not giving up a run since June 7 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies and an earned run since June 3 vs. the Houston Astros.

He currently has a 28.1 inning scoreless streak and 31.1 consecutive innings without giving up an earned run at home.

He will have his hands full with this Blue Jays lineup though as will the Jays with Skenes.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. paces the Blue Jays with 21 home runs while accumulating a team-best batting average of .300.

Bo Bichette leads MLB with 153 hits and has put up 81 runs batted in to lead his team.

George Springer has 18 doubles, a triple, 19 home runs and 51 walks while hitting .290.

Ernie Clement has 24 doubles, two triples, nine home runs and 21 walks while hitting .279.

Bryan Reynolds is batting .244 for Pittsburgh with a team-high 61 RBI.

Andrew McCutchen is batting .241 with an OBP of .327 and a slugging percentage of .373 this season.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa's batting average of .267 leads all Pittsburgh hitters this season.

Tommy Pham is batting .259 with an OBP of .331 and a slugging percentage of .369 this season.

Blue Jays:Bowden Francis: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Ryan Burr: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Nick Sandlin: 15-Day IL (elbow), Yimi Garcia: 15-Day IL (ankle), Anthony Santander: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Alek Manoah: 60-Day IL (elbow), Angel Bastardo: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Pirates: Tim Mayza: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Justin Lawrence: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Endy Rodriguez: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Jared Jones: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Enmanuel Valdez: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Oneil Cruz: 7 Day IL (Concussion)