Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider announces starters for first two games of Spring Training
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The Toronto Blue Jays will open their spring training schedule this weekend, and on Thursday, manager John Schneider announced who will start the first two games.
The Toronto Blue Jays are set to kick off their spring training slate this weekend, and manager John Schneider has already mapped out his pitching plan for the first two matchups.
Veteran left-hander Eric Lauer will take the mound Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, while 22-year-old right-handed prospect Fernando Perez is slated to start Sunday’s road contest versus the Boston Red Sox.
Eric Lauer will start Saturday’s #SpringTraining opener!
First pitch for both games is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET (10:05 a.m. PT), with coverage airing on Sportsnet.
Lauer initially signed a minor-league deal with Toronto in 2024 but proved invaluable last season when injuries thinned out the rotation.
The 29-year-old made 15 starts in 2025 and appeared in 28 games overall, compiling a 9-2 record with a 3.18 ERA.
He also played a role in the club’s postseason surge, logging 8.2 innings over five playoff outings — including 5.2 innings during the World Series.
Before joining Toronto, Lauer spent six major-league seasons split between the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers, and later pitched for the Kia Tigers in 2024.
Earlier this month, he lost his arbitration hearing with the Blue Jays and will earn $4.4 million this season.
Blue Jays looking to see how Perez handles big league hitting
Perez, meanwhile, continued his steady climb through the system in 2025.
He made 20 starts at High-A Vancouver and six more at Double-A New Hampshire, finishing with a 3.04 ERA across 121 1/3 innings.
Over that span, he struck out 105 batters while issuing just 28 walks. He ranked as Toronto’s No. 17 prospect in 2025 according to MLB Pipeline.
Regarded for his polish and command, Perez relies on a mid-90s fastball and an average slider, while also mixing in a curveball and changeup — the latter grading as average.
While his command gives him a relatively high floor, further development of his arsenal will be key to unlocking a higher ceiling.
Toronto’s regular season begins March 26 at Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays will host the visiting Oakland Athletics.
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FEVRIER 19|123 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider announces starters for first two games of Spring Training Are you exited to see lefty Eric Lauer start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday? | ||
| Yes | 114 | 92.7 % |
| No | 9 | 7.3 % |
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