Eric Lauer gets hit hard in second Spring Training outing for Toronto Blue Jays
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer made his second Grapefruit League appearance on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, and the outing didn't go as planned.
Toronto Blue Jays lefty Eric Lauer struggled in his abbreviated outing, lasting just 1 2/3 innings.
He surrendered three hits and three earned runs while striking out one and issuing no walks.
Of his 32 pitches, 18 went for strikes. It marked a tough follow-up appearance as he continues to build up during spring training.
Lauer's performance also comes at a time when competition for rotation spots is intensifying.
#BlueJays LHP Eric Lauer was hit hard today by the #Rays in his second start of the spring: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, K (18 strikes on 32 pitches) Lauer should have the inside track for a rotation spot to start the season but things get messy once Bieber & Scherzer become available.
Lauer most likely will be pitching in a hybrid role once again
Speaking on Sportsnet 590 The Fan, insider Ben Nicholson-Smith suggested that recent roster developments could leave Lauer on the outside looking in when it comes to the starting five.
"I think it's Eric Lauer... he's pretty much going to have to start in the bullpen."
@bnicholsonsmith joins @SNJeffBlair and Kevin Barker to discuss Max Scherzer re-signing with the Blue Jays and the ripple effects on the pitching staff.
@bnicholsonsmith joins @SNJeffBlair and Kevin Barker to discuss Max Scherzer re-signing with the Blue Jays and the ripple effects on the pitching staff.
With veteran right-hander Max Scherzer back in the fold and the anticipated return of Shane Bieber, the Blue Jays' rotation picture appears crowded. That could push Lauer into a relief role to begin the regular season.
That scenario would mirror how last year unfolded.
From June 11 through Aug. 27, Lauer made 13 starts and was one of the club's steadiest arms during that stretch.
He allowed two or fewer runs in 10 of those outings, compiled a 6-1 record, and helped the team to an impressive 11-2 mark in games he started.
However, once Scherzer returned to full health and Bieber was acquired ahead of the trade deadline, Lauer shifted back to the bullpen for the remainder of the season.
Now, with Scherzer once again part of the mix, history may be repeating itself.
Of course, few teams navigate an entire season without injuries or dips in performance forcing adjustments.
Manager John Schneider values Lauer's versatility, knowing he can step into the rotation or provide multi-inning relief when needed.
Still, the role carries financial implications.
Starters typically command higher salaries than relievers, and Lauer believed his bullpen usage factored into his recent arbitration loss.
With free agency looming at season's end, a return to relief work could impact his earning power on the open market.
For now, Lauer has maintained a team-first approach publicly. Aware of how quickly circumstances can change over a 162-game season, he continues preparing to handle whatever assignment Toronto ultimately gives him.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 27|95 ANSWERS Eric Lauer gets hit hard in second Spring Training outing for Toronto Blue Jays Do you think Eric Lauer should be in the Blue Jays starting rotation or a longman out of the bullpen? | ||
| Starter | 17 | 17.9 % |
| Long man (middle relief) | 78 | 82.1 % |
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