Kevin Gausman's Splitter Prompts Yankees to Consider Lineup Change for Rematch

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman, the Game 1 winner against the Yankees, remains a critical challenge for New York's postseason hopes. The Yankees anticipate facing Gausman again and are considering a strategic lineup adjustment: replacing first baseman Ben Rice with Paul Goldschmidt. Manager Aaron Boone initially started Rice in Game 1 due to his strong performance, but Rice struggled against Gausman's splitter, a difficult pitch for left-handed hitters. In contrast, Paul Goldschmidt boasts a strong historical record against Gausman, going 10-for-22 lifetime with a .636 slugging percentage, and is noted by scouts as being "good against soft" pitches like the splitter. Gausman is expected to be on regular rest by Thursday, an off day, making him a likely candidate to pitch in a potential Game 5 on Friday in Toronto, possibly facing Max Fried.