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Blue Jays' Lauer Bounces Back with Strong Performance

Toronto Blue Jays News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!·Apr 18, 2026·1:11

About this Episode

Toronto Blue Jays Injury Woes: Lauers Breakthrough Performance

The Toronto Blue Jays, grappling with injuries in their starting pitching rotation, experimented with a new strategy against Arizona. Instead of starting Eric Lauer, they deployed reliever Braydon Fisher as an opener for one inning, followed by Lauer handling the bulk of the game. Lauer, who had been struggling with an illness and adapting to the piggyback setup, expressed frustration with the new routine. However, he bounced back with a strong performance on Friday, showcasing improved fastball velocity and pitching five solid innings. This breakthrough bodes well for his return to the starter role, potentially bolstering the Jays struggling rotation.

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Transcript

It's April 18th. You're listening to Toronto Blue Jays News today, AI-powered coverage of your team.

I'm Cory with the story. Toronto Blue Jays are banged up bad with starting pictures on the injured list, so they switch things up Friday against Arizona.

Instead of letting Eric Lauer start, they send reliever Braden Fisher out as an opener for one inning, then brought Lauer in to handle the bulk from.

Reinforcements might hit soon, with Trey Yesavage and Jose Barrios both on rehab assignments and eyeing a return by the end of April to shore up that rotation.

Lauer was straight up frustrated with the piggyback setup, saying Eric is usual pre-game routine that all starters swear by to stay sharp and locked in.

Turns out he'd been fighting to an illness in his last couple outings, like that April 5th start against the Chicago White Sox, where he only

lasted two innings, but Friday was a turnaround, with his fastball velocity popping back to 91.5 miles per hour averages and he powered through five.

Solid innings. Looks like he's got his stamina back, setting him up to slide right into the starters by next time and help the J steady the ship.