Eric Lauer, after a challenging outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks, made his feelings clear: he dislikes the opener strategy. “To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it,” he stated following his five-inning performance where he allowed three earned runs.
Lauer’s ERA now stands at 7.13, a stark contrast to his earlier season promise when he struck out nine batters in his first start. In this latest game, Braydon Fisher served as the opener for the Blue Jays, allowing just one hit in the first inning but ultimately leading to a total of six runs scored by Toronto.
But what’s behind Lauer’s frustrations? He explained that the opener disrupts his pre-game routine, making it harder to prepare mentally and physically for a game. “It messes with your pre-game routine,” he added, underscoring how vital consistency is for pitchers.
This season has been tough on Lauer—he allowed nine combined runs in his previous two starts before facing Arizona. His struggles have been attributed to decreased stamina and lower velocity, likely stemming from a recent recovery from the flu.
Financially, Lauer was awarded $4.4 million in arbitration, which is less than the $5.75 million he had filed for. This discrepancy adds another layer of pressure as he fights for a stable position in Toronto’s rotation, especially with nine players currently on the injured list.
Manager John Schneider defended the decision to use an opener, stating that it was intended to help Lauer avoid facing the top of the Diamondbacks’ order early in the game. However, this approach raises questions about its effectiveness moving forward.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Lauer’s long-term role within Toronto’s pitching staff given ongoing competition and injuries impacting team dynamics.
