Blue Jays News: Kevin Gausman elects not to participate in 2023 MLB All-Sar Game

As we near the 2023 MLB All-Star Break, the Toronto Blue Jays were preparing to send a total of four of their players to the All-Star Game itself. Infielders Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Whit Merrifield along with pitcher Kevin Gausman were all set to make the trip to Seattle.

Blue Jays news: Kevin Gausman will not participate in 2023 MLB All-Star Game

After Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers in which the Blue Jays were no-hit, Gausman (who started the game for Toronto) spoke to reporters and announced that he will not be joining his teammates in Seattle for the ASG. Instead, he will "be using the break as a break" and will spend time with his family. This is not an uncommon occurrence around this time of year, as many players who are elected to the Midsummer Classic would prefer to have that time away as actual time off instead of doing additional travelling.

Gausman specifically cited his current inning count as a factor in his decision. He said that he has never had this many innings prior to the All-Star Break in his career and that he could use a rest. After today's game, the right-hander is at 115.2 innings, which is higher than each of the past two seasons since he began his breakout. In 2022, he was at just 88 innings prior to the break and in 2021 with the Giants he was at 114.2.

To say that Gausman has been incredible for this year's Blue Jays would be an understatement. The 32-year-old is putting together numbers that could result in the best statistical season of his 11-year career. Through 19 outings, he is 7-5 with a 3.03 ERA and a league-leading 153 strikeouts. He continues to keep the Jays in the ballgame each and every time he takes the mound and is absolutely to be viewed as a legitimate Cy Young candidate once again.