Kevin Gausman looks to help Blue Jays avoid sweep against Diamondbacks

The Toronto Blue Jays are sending out their ace in hopes of stopping the bleeding.

Kevin Gausman will start Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Blue Jays look to avoid a sweep and end a four-game losing skid (4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT, Sportsnet, Sportsnet+).

It’s been a frustrating series for Toronto, with its offence once again struggling to generate timely hits, putting pressure on the starters to keep the score close.

Gausman (0-1, 2.82 ERA) has been one of the few steady presences early in the season, pairing a strong WHIP (0.90) with 31 strikeouts. The 35-year-old has dominated the Diamondbacks over his career with a 6-2 record, 3.23 ERA and 64 strikeouts over 53 innings across 10 appearances.

For the season, Toronto (7-13) has struggled to find consistency, especially on the road, where it has dropped seven of eight. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has a home run, 12 walks and eight RBIs while hitting .315 this season, has lacked the power that dotted his epic post-season run last year.

Another question mark surrounds Daulton Varsho, who did not play Saturday due to left knee discomfort. The 29-year-old is 12-for-36 with three doubles, three home runs and six RBIs over his last 10 games.

The Blue Jays will also need to think about their high-leverage situations after Jeff Hoffman surrendered a go-ahead grand slam to Corbin Carroll in Saturday’s 6-2 loss, renewing questions about the bullpen hierarchy even as manager John Schneider publicly backs his closer.

“I know that’s a that’s a hot topic, or if you’re moving a batting order or you’re taking a guy out of a role, man. Again, I have a lot of confidence in Jeff Hoffman,” Schneider told reporters after Saturday’s loss. “I feel for him right now because he’s going through it and I get it. When you’re in that spot, it gets magnified. And that’s part of it. He’s man enough to handle it. So, yeah, if there’s a situation to close out a game, I’ll take Jeff Hoffman.”

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Opposing Gausman is Ryne Nelson (1-1, 3.54 ERA), who has put together solid outings to begin the year. For his career, the 28-year-old has a 1-0 record with a 2.45 ERA, 12 strikeouts and two walks over 18.1 innings and three appearances against the Blue Jays in his career.

Arizona (13-8) enters the series finale with momentum, going 8-2 over its last 10 games while outscoring opponents by 21 runs. The Diamondbacks been particularly strong at home (7-2), backed by a pitching staff that ranks among the National League’s best with a 3.72 ERA.