Game 2 Preview: Blue Jays vs. Cardinals, Gausman on the mound, lineups and more

After the chaotic but beautiful mess that was Opening Day for the Toronto Blue Jays, it's time for Game 2 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Kevin Gausman, the co-ace of the Blue Jays rotation, will take his turn on the mound and begin what is widely expected to be a Cy Young-worthy season. He was quietly one of the game's best pitchers last year and was perhaps a bit underrated.

On the other side of things, Jack Flaherty will be the Cardinals' starting pitcher. The once-promising pitcher has struggled to stay on the mound consistently and seems to be constantly battling injuries. He has not made a full season of starts since all the way back in 2019.

The Cardinals offense showed that they mean business in the first game of the season on Thursday. While the Blue Jays were just barely able to out-hit them, the Redbirds are absolutely no joke.

Toronto Blue Jays starting lineup in Game 2:

1. RF George Springer

2. SS Bo Bichette

3. 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

4. LF Daulton Varsho

5. 3B Matt Chapman

6. DH Brandon Belt

7. C Danny Jansen

8. 2B Cavan Biggio

9. CF Kevin Kiermaier

Notably, Danny Jansen and Cavan Biggio will be making their debuts in the starting lineup. Biggio came in as a pinch hitter in the season opener, drawing a walk while Jansen is expected to be a part of a 50/50 split with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate this year.

St. Louis Cardinals lineup in Game 2:

1. 2B Brendan Donovan

2. LF Alec Burleson

3. 1B Paul Goldschmidt

4. 3B Nolan Arenado

5. DH Nolan Gorman

6. CF Tyler O'Neill

7. RF Jordan Walker

8. C Andrew Knizner

9. SS Tommy Edman

Alec Burleson will be making his 2023 debut while star catcher Willson Contreras is absent from the lineup. Contreras took a 103mph Jordan Hicks fastball off of his knee pads on Thursday and is going to miss some time.