Toronto Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman (32) is looking forward to the return of Ryu Hyun-jin (36).

Canadian media outlet ‘Toronto Sun’ reported on the 21st (below), “Gaussman, Toronto’s most reliable starter, isn’t too worried about Toronto’s starting rotation. He said he likes the team’s starting pitching staff.키톤벳

“I think our starting rotation this year has proven to be the best in the American League (AL). We’re battling for second or third in the league. When one of our starters falls off a little bit, another guy steps up and fills the void. I think our starting staff has become a real strength of our team.”

Toronto’s starting ERA of 3.92 ranks seventh in the league. In recent months, it ranks second in the AL (3.39). In addition to Gausman (7-5, 3.03), four starters – Chris Bassett (10-5, 3.92), Jose Berrios (8-7, 3.39) and Yusei Kikuchi (7-3, 4.13) – have remained in the rotation since opening day.

But last year’s ace, Alec Manoa, has been up and down since returning from a demotion to the Rookie League, and it remains to be seen if Hyun-jin Ryu, who has made three rehab starts since recovering from Tommy John surgery, can step right in. Ryu will make his fourth rehab start for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on June 22. He will throw at least 80 pitches.

With the trade deadline just 10 days away, local media outlets have raised the possibility of Toronto adding starting pitching. However, if Manoa rebounds somewhat and Ryu returns healthy, Toronto will have six starting pitchers that will be a force to be reckoned with. A six-man starting rotation is possible, depending on the situation.

[OSEN=Dunedin, Florida, USA, Kyuhan Choi] Toronto’s Ryu Hyun-jin. /dreamer@osen.co.kr

[OSEN=Dunedin (Florida, USA), Kyuhan Choi] Toronto’s Hyun-Jin Ryu. /dreamer@osen.co.kr

“I think giving everybody an extra day of rest will help everybody,” Gaussman said. I think he’s going to bring a lot to the starting rotation,” said Gaussman, who hopes for a synergistic effect.

Aside from Gaussman, who skipped one start last week due to a side injury, Bassett, Berrios and Kikuchi have not had any extra rest since opening day. Toronto faces a stretch of 17 consecutive games starting Sept. 29, and once Ryu returns, the existing starters could take turns getting one off.

Meanwhile, the right-hander, who signed a five-year, $110 million free agent contract with Toronto last November, went 12-10 with a 3.35 ERA and 205 strikeouts in 31 games (174⅔ innings) last year. This year, he is 7-5 with a 3.03 ERA and 153 strikeouts in 19 games (115⅔ innings). He leads the AL in strikeouts with his primary weapon, the splitter.