Cubs Blast Blue Jays 16-2: Gausman's Rough Start Stresses Toronto’s Bullpen

Friday at Wrigley Field, Ben Brown gave up two runs in six innings while the Cubs erupted for 16 runs, including Carson Kelly’s 428-foot grand slam. The Cubs scored seven runs in the first inning and finished with 18 hits and four walks. Toronto right-hander Kevin Gausman lasted two innings, surrendering seven earned runs on seven hits and four walks. The loss dropped the Blue Jays to 37-39, keeping them below .500.

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Toronto entered the series after a three-game sweep of Boston, hoping to extend momentum. Their starters have logged 345.2 innings this season; the bullpen has logged 327 innings, the fourth-most in MLB, underscoring a heavy workload that magnifies the effect of a short start.

Gausman's rare dud further strains bullpen as Blue Jays crushed by Cubs

Kevin Gausman, the opening-day starter, entered with a 3.41 ERA. Shane Bieber is on a minor-league rehab assignment and is slated to reinforce the staff. Ben Brown, Chicago’s starter, holds a 6-2 record and a career-high 66.2-inning homerless streak.

Gausman's rare dud further strains bullpen as Blue Jays crushed by Cubs

Gausman’s early exit forced Toronto to use five relievers on Friday, adding pressure to a bullpen already shouldering a heavy load ahead of a 16-game stretch. The club hopes to ease the strain with Bieber’s activation; he reported feeling “definitely happy” after an 80-pitch rehab session. Left-hander Patrick Corbin (2-3, 4.57 ERA) will start Saturday against Colin Rea (5-5, 5.35 ERA). If Bieber’s rehab continues, he may appear in the bullpen on Saturday and could start Monday.

Gausman's rare dud further strains bullpen as Blue Jays crushed by Cubs

Manager John Schneider said he was “careful” about Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s back and expects him to be ready for the next game. Gausman admitted his “close pitches” left him “out of whack.” Bieber expressed confidence in his health and readiness to contribute. Schneider stressed the need for a strong starter to set series momentum.

Gausman's rare dud further strains bullpen as Blue Jays crushed by Cubs

Analysts highlighted Gausman’s four walks in the first inning—a rarity for him—indicating a loss of command. Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted the Blue Jays “made him come in the zone” and “laid off the split down,” suggesting the Cubs exploited the starter’s erratic control.

Gausman's rare dud further strains bullpen as Blue Jays crushed by Cubs

• “It's uncharacteristic of him.” — John Schneider, Blue Jays manager

Gausman's rare dud further strains bullpen as Blue Jays crushed by Cubs

• “Four walks in one inning. Not normally me,” — Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays pitcher

Gausman's rare dud further strains bullpen as Blue Jays crushed by Cubs

• “I don't care what kind of game it is, I want results,” — Shane Bieber, Blue Jays pitcher

Gausman's rare dud further strains bullpen as Blue Jays crushed by Cubs

• “Gausman’s not easy — he’s one of the better guys at avoiding the walk, so we did a good job against him to get the rally moving,” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager

Chicago Tribune