This left-hander is suddenly a very important pitcher for the Blue Jays

The Blue Jays depth has taken a hit recently and with Max Scherzerr's status for opening day now in doubt, the Blue Jays are need of a fifth starter. While the Blue Jays do have options like Yariel Rodriguez and Easton Lucas, neither of them have been particularly outstanding this spring.

Jake Bloss could use more seasoning in Triple-A and while the Blue Jays could turn to Ryan Yarbrough as an opener, he would need another reliever to piggy back off of him.

Enter Lauer. The left-hander has been effective this spring, compiling five scoreless innings and five strikeouts with a 0.40 WHIP over two appearances.

That's why this start could be huge for both Lauer and the Blue Jays. If he performs well, or well enough, he could find himself in the rotation come opening day.

While Lauer does not currently occupy a roster spot, the Blue Jays have several pitchers - including Richard Lovelady, Tommy Nance, and Zach Pop - who are out of options who will need to designated for assignment if they don't make the team. There isn't room for all of them.

Even if Lauer doesn't break camp with the team, the Blue Jays could decide to add him the 40-man, stash him in Triple-A and use him as a first line of defence should Scherzer require an extended lay-off. It also wouldn't hurt the Blue Jays to have a southpaw in the starting rotation.

While Lauer didn't play at all in the majors in 2024, he does have 112 career starts, and found success with Milwaukee in 2021 and 2022. If he can find some of that magic, he could become a very valuable asset for the Blue Jays.