Overview
- Manager John Schneider named the initial five: Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Eric Lauer, Cody Ponce and Max Scherzer.
- Trey Yesavage opened the season on the injured list with a shoulder impingement and will follow a cautious rest-and-ramp plan without a firm return date.
- Shane Bieber and José Berríos are also starting on the IL, extending early absences for a staff that was heavily reinforced over the winter.
- Eric Lauer moves into a starter’s role as part of the club’s contingency plan, with beat writers noting Toronto’s depth should cover the early gaps.
- Max Scherzer closed spring with 13 2/3 scoreless innings, and Cody Ponce impressed after returning from the KBO, reinforcing confidence in the interim rotation.