Blue Jays switching up the pitching plans again, tabbing rookie reliever as opener

"On Sunday (May 10) the Blue Jays feel their best chance to beat the LA Angels in the series finale is by starting Spencer Miles, as an opener, before turning to Eric Lauer. The rookie, Miles, has been a pleasant surprise, while the Blue Jays would like to get anything but surprises out of Lauer at this moment."

"One thing the Blue Jays have learned this year about Lauer is that he struggles in the first inning. He currently has a 7.50 ERA, while hitters have hit .308/.357/.692 against him to open the game. He also hasn't had great success in facing hitters multiple times. The OPS jumps from .796 in the first at-bat against Lauer to .946 in the second time through the order."

"He's rarely been allowed to face hitters three times. With only 17 plate appearances this season coming against a hitter the third time in a game, Lauer has essentially been pitching as a "bulk pitcher" this entire season - just at varying points throughout the game, even though only five of his innings pitched this year have come as a "reliever" while he's thrown 26.1 innings as a starter."

"Part of the thinking could also be trying to goad the Angels into putting together a lefty-heavy lineup to face Miles, before Lauer comes in. The only problem is, Lauer also hasn't been effective in platoon situations either. Right-handed hitters are hitting .240 with a .766 OPS while lefties are hitting .381 with a 1.147 OPS, althou"

The Blue Jays continue using a rotating pitching plan with evolving roles for the fifth starter. For the May 10 series finale against the Angels, Spencer Miles is expected to open, followed by Eric Lauer. Miles has been a positive surprise, while the team wants to avoid unexpected outcomes from Lauer. Lauer has struggled in the first inning, posting a 7.50 ERA and allowing hitters to reach .308/.357/.692 against him to start games. His effectiveness drops further as hitters see him again, with OPS rising from .796 in the first at-bat to .946 in the second time through the order. He has rarely faced hitters three times, functioning like a bulk pitcher with limited third-time plate appearances. The plan may also aim to influence the Angels’ lineup toward left-handed hitters for Miles, though Lauer has not performed well in platoon matchups either.

Read at Jays Journal