Unless Orioles manager Buck Showalter changes his mind later this week, Kevin Gausman will make his third major league start on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers. His home debut will follow a disappointing outing last night in Washington, where he allowed seven runs and eight hits - including three home runs - in four innings.
Catcher Matt Wieters shared his thoughts on Gausman after last night's 9-3 loss to the Nationals. Here's a sampling, which may be used today as leftovers for lunch. Beats a bologna sandwich.
On Gausman's main issue
"Just being able to locate glove side and be able to get balls over there away from right-handers and left-handers and keep them in there. Was able to mix in the slider for a strike a little bit. Couldn't quite get the changeup over for a strike early. I think the biggest thing is the command of the fastball."
On the learning curve for Gausman
"There's going to be a learning curve whether you're 21 or 39. There's going to be a learning curve. Everybody in this game, including myself, are still adjusting every game that we're out there."
On whether Gausman's struggles are magnified
"This team, we're going to treat him just like everybody else and try and find a way to make him the best he can be, and the team the best it can be."
On whether Gausman made any progress from his first start to last night
"Yeah. The slider was able to, he was able to use a little bit more of the stuff than he did the last start. So, it's a matter of putting everything together."
On whether he sees flashes of greatness in Gausman
"He's got great stuff. He's a great arm. He's going to get where we want him to get. It's just not going to be a perfect plan."
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