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Think about this: "all-star Kevin Gausman" It could happen! Of course, it may depend on whether Manny Machado is still an Oriole by the time the Midsummer Classic rolls around, but Gausman has probably unseated Richard Bleier has the default O's pick should it come to that.
Gausman has been legitimately good since his first start of the season. He's fun to watch and has finally shown an ability to adjust to how big league hitters approach him. That performance in Boston was humiliating, to be sure, but then he bounced back to be really, really good in Chicago.
Something seems different about the LSU product. He's been focused; sharper. He has displayed the mentality that you see in, dare I say, a staff ace. Of course, there is still a long way to go for the 27-year-old, but there is no pitcher that has my faith more than him. He's earned it through consistency.
Today is a good job for an "ace". The O's are out of it, but it's still nice to win a series. The team needs him to step up and give one of his good performances. End the road trip on a high note and send them back to Baltimore in good spirits.