Blue Jays' manager John Schneider responds to Eric Lauer's comments on his opener strategy with blunt message
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John Schneider had an unhappy pitcher on his hands following Friday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider appears to have defused any tension created by Eric Lauer's post-game comments.
Lauer, who pitched after opener Braydon Fisher in Toronto’s 6–3 defeat, didn’t hide his dislike for coming out of the bullpen in that role.
"I can't stand it," he said. "You work with what you got. Part of it, too, we're trying to mix some things up. We're trying to find ways to win, so I think it's a game plan we had, and I think we went out there and tried to execute the best we could."
Taking the loss, Lauer gave up three earned runs across five innings.
After entering in the second inning, he explained that pitching behind an opener throws off his usual starter’s routine and added that it’s "hopefully, not something that (the Blue Jays) will continue doing."
John Schneider responds to Eric Lauer's comments on opener strategy
Before Saturday’s game in Phoenix, Schneider said he had already spoken with the 30-year-old left-hander and that Lauer understands and supports the team’s approach moving forward.
"I respect everyone's opinion," said Schneider. "I know the end of his quote was, 'It's above my pay grade,' and it definitely is above his pay grade as to how we use him. We're trying to win, you know what I mean? My job is to put him in spots to try to have success. That's what I try to do. He's aware of that. He gets that. Anyone who's been bounced around a little bit, he wants to start, I get it. But he's on board with us just trying to win and, go out and execute until we take the ball from you, big fella, and do it again the next time."
Schneiders message to Lauer was blunt and to the point
"It's just reminding guys like, 'Hey, if you don't like your role, like, come talk to me, come talk to Pete.' That goes for everybody. You don't like when I take you out as a starter, all right, come talk to me, don't tell you guys, come tell me. That was it, basically. It was quick. The message was again like, 'Hey, you pitch, I decide.'"
So far this season, Lauer holds a 7.13 ERA with a 1–3 record in four appearances. He opened the year strongly with a nine-strikeout performance against the Oakland
Athletics, but has since struggled, allowing 12 runs over his past 12.1 innings.
If the rotation stays on schedule, Lauer is expected to make his next appearance, whether as a starter or in a bulk role, on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.
If the rotation stays on schedule, Lauer is expected to make his next appearance, whether as a starter or in a bulk role, on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.
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