MLB·ROUNDUP

Gausman stellar in return from shoulder issue to end Blue Jays spring training

Jake Lamb's go-ahead two-run RBI single in the fifth inning led the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 4-3 win over the visiting Blue Jays, spoiling Toronto ace Kevin Gausman's encouraging spring training debut on Monday in Bradenton, Fla.

Strikes out 7 over 3 innings; Romano likely headed to IL before Thursday opener

The Canadian Press · Posted: Mar 25, 2024 4:40 PM EDT | Last Updated: March 25

A Blue Jays starting pitcher delivers in the first inning of the team's final spring training game on March 25, 2024 against the hometown Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Fla. — Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman made his first Grapefruit League start Monday against the Pirates after returning from a shoulder issue. (Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters)

The game was tied 2-2 until Lamb's hit, and the Blue Jays could only respond with a Daniel Vogelbach RBI single in the eighth inning to make it a one-run game.

Gausman, making his first Grapefruit League start after returning from a shoulder issue, struck out seven and allowed just one run on three hits in three innings of work for Toronto (13-17). Reliever Zach Pop (0-1) took the loss.

Ryder Ryan (1-2) earned the win for Pittsburgh (13-16) although he pitched just 1/3 of an inning. Wily Peralta earned the save.

PLAYER STATS: Kevin Gausman

The Blue Jays concluded their pre-season with four straight losses.

Toronto starts the regular-season schedule on Thursday when they play the Rays in a four-game series in Tampa, Fla.

A Toronto Blue Jays centre-fielder, dressed in a dark blue uniform, catches a line drive in the third inning of the team's final spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 25 2004 in Bradenton, Fla. — Blue Jays centre-fielder Kevin Kiermaier catches a line drive in the third inning of Monday's 4-3 spring training loss to the Pirates. (Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters)

Romano dealing with elbow issue

Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano is likely to start the season on the injured list with an elbow issue.

Manager John Schneider said Monday it is "reasonable to say" Toronto will open the season Thursday at Tampa Bay without the two-time all-star right-hander.

PLAYER STATS: Jordan Romano

Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen fractures wrist, unlikely to play on opening day

Romano, 30, made five appearances this spring and allowed one run on two hits in 4 1/3 innings, fanning six batters.

He finished 5-7 with a 2.90 earned-run average and tied his career high with 36 saves in 59 appearances last season.

Romano is 19-15 with 97 saves and a 2.67 ERA in 216 games (no starts) since making his debut with Toronto in 2019.

Fellow reliever Erik Swanson is dealing with a forearm injury, leaving Yimi Garcia and Chad Green as candidates for closing duties until Romano returns.

Pillar signs split deal with White Sox

Former Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar's one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox calls for a $1 million US salary while in the major leagues and $180,000 while assigned to the minors.

Pillar could earn $500,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances: $50,000 for 150 and each additional 25 through 375.

Pillar was in camp on a minor league deal that called for a $3 million salary if added to the 40-man roster but he was cut on Friday. Chicago announced on Sunday it had agreed to a big league deal with the 35-year-old.

Pillar played for Atlanta last year, hitting .228 in 81 games with nine homers and 32 runs batted in.