Blue Jays vs Orioles: Tonight's Starting Lineup - Game Preview

Blue Jays lefty Eric Lauer is on the bump tonight versus Orioles veteran Charlie Morton in Grapefruit League action. First Pitch 6:05 PM ET.

In his Spring Training debut Lauer pitched three scoreless innings, striking out two and allowing just one hit.

The 29 year-old lefty recently moved up the starting depth chart due to bullpen injuries.

In 2021 with the Milwaukee Brewers, Lauer had a 3.19 ERA and a 4.04 FIP in 118.2 innings pitched.

He followed that up with a successful 2022 season, authoring a 3.69 ERA and a 4.50 FIP in 158.2 innings pitched in 29 starts.

It all came off the rails in 2023, as the lefty finished the season with a 6.56 ERA and a 7.41 FIP in 46.2 innings pitched.

Lauer pitched overseas in 2024 for the Kia Tigers of the Korean Baseball Organization, posting a 4.93 ERA and a 4.04 FIP in 34.2 innings pitched.

Lauer will most likely start the season in Buffalo. If a Blue Jays starting pitcher goes down with an injury, he could be the first one to receive a call-up with prior success in the bigs.

Then there is Charlie Morton. Each of the past four or five offseasons, Morton has contemplated retirement.

It happened again earlier this offseason, when Morton hit free agency after a four-year tenure with the Braves.

Then the Orioles called. Morton signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Orioles, who will become the sixth team the righty has pitched for when he takes the mound for his 18th MLB season.

The veteran came to Baltimore to try to help the club reach the postseason for the third straight year and end a 10-game playoff losing streak that dates back to 2014.

So far so good this spring for Morton, he threw three scoreless innings against the Rays in his last Grapefruit League game, striking out four batters.