Lauer's shot at a role in the Blue Jays' rotation takes a hit after latest outing

"Facing a Tampa Bay Rays lineup that featured some prominent MLB hitters, Lauer struggled through the outing, giving up three earned runs in 1.2 innings pitched. In the first inning, Lauer allowed the first four hitters to reach base, while he didn't record an out until the fifth hitter, Cedric Mullins, hit a sacrifice fly to right field, bringing in the Rays' third run of the inning."

"After a leadoff single to Yandy Diaz, he allowed a 108 mph single to Jonathan Aranda, and on the next pitch he hit Jake Freely. Junior Caminero than torched a 114 mph four-seam fastball up the middle that cashed the first two runs."

"Lauer has been vocal already during Spring Training about his desire to be a starter. In 15 starts last year, Lauer pitched to a 3.77 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 74 innings pitched and a 1.25 WHIP. He has also been a starter for the majority of his career prior to coming to Toronto."

Eric Lauer faces increased competition for a starting rotation position with the Toronto Blue Jays during Spring Training in Dunedin. In a recent outing against the Tampa Bay Rays, Lauer struggled significantly, surrendering three earned runs across just 1.2 innings pitched. He allowed the first four batters to reach base in the first inning, with Junior Caminero hitting a 114 mph double to drive in two runs and Cedric Mullins adding a sacrifice fly. Lauer recorded only one out before being replaced after 32 pitches. Despite his strong 2024 season statistics—3.77 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 74 innings—and his expressed desire to remain a starter, this poor performance complicates his bid for a rotation spot.

Read at Jays Journal