Eric Lauer Slams Opener Strategy

0:00It's April 18th. This is Toronto Blue Jays News Today, powered by AI, your team, your update. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer did it mince words after their Friday night loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team tried an opener strategy, starting with reliever Braden Fisher for one scoreless inning before bringing Lauer in for the next five. He gave up three runs, including a homer to Nolan Aeronato, took the loss, and his season ERA sits at 7.13 now. The player called it straight up. He hates the approach and can't stand and messing with his flow. Pitchers like him thrive on routine, calling themselves creatures of habit, and this throws everything off when they sit and wait through that. Unpredictable first frame. The opener tactic shakes up the opponent's line up by facing different arms early on, which makes sense on paper for keeping hitters off balance. Lauer hopes the Jays ditch him moving forward, though he admits that's not his call. We'll keep watching how they adjust from here.