Toronto Blue Jays lefty Eric Lauer not impressed, vocal about pitching plan vs Arizona Diamondbacks
Photo credit: https://www.mlb.com/
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer is not a fan of pitching behind an opener.
Ahead of Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider revealed that reliever Braydon Fisher would start the game, with Eric Lauer expected to handle the bulk of the innings.
Lauer (1–3) turned in a serviceable outing, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out four over five innings. Still, he was tagged with the loss, his third consecutive defeat.
While the performance itself wasn’t particularly poor, the ongoing skid suggests Lauer could continue to be used in a bulk relief role at times going forward.
After the game, Lauer didn’t hold back when discussing the opener strategy.
Speaking to MLB.com’s Kegan Matheson, he made it clear the approach disrupts his routine.
“To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it,” Lauer said.
He added that it interferes with his pregame preparation, noting that starting pitchers are “creatures of habit.”
He also acknowledged that the decision ultimately isn’t his to make:
“Hopefully it’s not something that we will continue doing, but that’s above my pay grade.”
Eric Lauer on following an opener:
“To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it…” Lauer said that it messes with his pre-game routine, as starters are “creatures of habit.” “Hopefully it’s not something that we will continue doing, but that’s above my pay grade.” #BlueJays
“To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it…” Lauer said that it messes with his pre-game routine, as starters are “creatures of habit.” “Hopefully it’s not something that we will continue doing, but that’s above my pay grade.” #BlueJays
Lauer's struggles don't bode well for a starting role going forward
Through four appearances this season, Lauer has struggled to find consistency, posting a 7.13 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP, along with a 16:10 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 17.2 innings.
Control had previously been a concern for Lauer, but he appeared to turn a corner in 2025, recording a solid 2.2 BB/9 across 104.2 innings.
That progress, however, hasn’t fully carried over into this season.
It remains uncertain whether Lauer will return to a traditional starting role or continue working out of the bullpen in his next outing, which is tentatively scheduled for next week on the road against the Los Angeles Angels.
In the meantime, Toronto will look to bounce back on Saturday night, with veteran ace Max Scherzer set to face Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET on Sportsnet.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider provides injury update on Daulton Varsho, Vladimir Guerrero Jr
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider provides injury update on Daulton Varsho, Vladimir Guerrero Jr
Previously on Blue Jays Central