Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) pitches to Canada during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Dunedin, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

By The Canadian Press

Blue Jays welcome Athletics for anticipated 2026 season opener

Mar 27, 2026 | 2:00 AM

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays look to build on a captivating Major League Baseball season when they host the Athletics tonight in their 2026 season opener.

The Blue Jays took a lead into the ninth inning of Game 7 of last season’s World Series before losing 5-4 in 11 innings to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The defending American League champions bolstered their pitching staff in the off-season with the additions of Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers, and got another potentially big bat in Japan’s Kazuma Okamoto.

They also have a big hole to fill after star shortstop Bo Bichette left for the New York Mets in free agency.

Kevin Gausman will get his first opening-day start in his five-year tenure with the Blue Jays.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2026.

The Canadian Press