Kevin Gausman wasn't about to let a potential distraction affect the Toronto Blue Jays as they returned home Friday.
The Blue Jays right-hander made a point of addressing recent comments about team chemistry with manager John Schneider and the coaching staff before the team's series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals at Rogers Centre.
Schneider, appearing on Blair & Barker on Sportsnet 590 The Fan, said the Blue Jays right-hander met with the coaches to discuss his interview during a recent appearance on the Toronto Star's baseball podcast with Mike Wilner: Deep Left Field.
On the show, Gausman said: “We’re just not nearly as close-knit of a group as we were last year. Every single person here is frustrated, annoyed, mad, but it is what it is. This is the group we’ve got. I still believe in every single guy in that room, and in the staff that’s leading them.”
Schneider said Friday that Gausman addressed the issue, and there are no hard feelings.
"Kev, being who he is, came in and talked to us as a coaching staff and talked to the guys about what was written, how it came out and how it may be perceived," Schneider said. "Kev is the ultimate pro ... He was upset with the timing of it and the way it came out."
Schneider was impressed with Gausman's words and actions on Friday.
"It just show how much he cares. just like 'hey let's clear the air here and make sure (you know) this is exactly how I feel about you guys and exactly how I feel about the guys in there' and it's reciprocated from every one of them," Schneider said.
Gausman, on an expiring contract, also is facing the challenge of being in trade rumours ahead of Monday's deadline as he could be a big addition for a contender.
Because the team is performing below expectations this season, Schneider said it is only natural for clubhouse vibes to not be as strong.
The Blue Jays, of course, have taken a big step back after falling just short in Game 7 of the World Series last year.
"It was a special group where for whatever reason guys clicked on and off the field, their families clicked on and off the field, it was the pinnacle of what you're trying to do from a team-sports perspective. So anything is going to be a bit of a letdown (from last year) if it isn't there," Schneider said.
Schneider also spoke about why the Blue Jays have struggled this year.
"There's a million different reasons why we haven't performed to expectations and comparing clubhouse chemistry I don't think is very high on the list," the manager said. "It's part of a long season, it's part of ups and downs. I think handling it head-on is the best way to handle it and we did that today."
