"In 30.2 innings out of the bullpen, he had a 1.76 ERA and held batters to a .144 batting average against. Lauer faces tough competition for a spot in the starting rotation. Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and José Berrios are all returning. Shane Bieber picked up his player option with the Blue Jays for the 2026 season, though he will miss the start of the season while he recovers from forearm fatigue."
"Where Lauer may find a role, though not the one he envisioned, is in helping the Blue Jays manage Yesavage's workload. The Blue Jays plan to be cautious with Yesavage to start the season. After his meteoric rise through the minors to playing a major role in the Blue Jays' run to the World Series, this season will look a lot different for Yesavage."
"Though it's not the starting role he coveted, Lauer could fill in as a long reliever on days when Yesavage starts. With Yesavage only expected to pitch up to four innings to start the season, Lauer could come in after him. That could help take pressure off the bullpen."
Eric Lauer made 15 starts for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025 with a 3.77 ERA but performed significantly better as a reliever, posting a 1.76 ERA over 30.2 innings with a .144 batting average against. Competing for a starting rotation spot proves difficult with established starters Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, José Berrios, Shane Bieber, Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Max Scherzer all on the roster. The Blue Jays plan to carefully manage Yesavage's workload early in the season, limiting him to three to four innings initially. Lauer may find his optimal role as a long reliever, entering games after Yesavage to provide depth and reduce bullpen strain.
#toronto-blue-jays #eric-lauer #starting-rotation-competition #relief-pitcher-role #workload-management
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