DUNEDIN, Fla. — Eric Lauer’s spring debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday wasn’t just about shaking off the offseason rust; it was a visible display of eagerness. The left-hander, experiencing what he described as “restless leg syndrome,” took the mound in the Grapefruit League opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, a 3-0 Blue Jays victory, and delivered a clean inning with a strikeout.
“I was kind of laughing when I came off,” Lauer said, reflecting on the excitement. “My legs just kept shaking — I was just too excited. You finally get back to what we do all year, finally get out there, you can compete and you just get a little overexcited and you’ve got to get your legs back under you. Towards the end there, I was able to get back under control.” He added that this sensation isn’t uncommon, experiencing similar feelings “randomly throughout the year,” which he finds reassuring, “because having that anxiety means it still matters to you.”
This spring holds significant weight for Lauer, a pending free agent whose future market value will be influenced by his performance, and role. After stabilizing the Blue Jays’ rotation with 15 starts in 2023, he transitioned to the bullpen for the season’s final month, prioritizing the team’s needs. Now, he’s being prepared as a starter again, though the Blue Jays’ rotation, even with Shane Bieber’s buildup being managed, presents a competitive landscape.
Arbitration Outcome and Motivation
Lauer’s desire to secure a starting role isn’t solely about baseball; it’s also tied to a recent arbitration decision. He lost his case against the Blue Jays, receiving a $4.4 million salary for 2024, less than the $5.75 million he requested. This was despite a previous arbitration salary of $5.075 million, a rare decrease for a returning player. Lauer believes his shift to the bullpen late in the 2023 season negatively impacted his case. “The fact that I ended the year in the bullpen is probably what lost me my case,” he stated.
The arbitration outcome highlights a potential disconnect between a player’s willingness to embrace a team role and financial recognition. Lauer’s selflessness may have inadvertently cost him financially, illustrating a broader issue within the arbitration system’s inability to fully value a player’s overall contributions.
Blue Jays’ Plans and Lauer’s Focus
Manager John Schneider emphasized the team’s intention to develop Lauer as a traditional starter, acknowledging his flexibility as a valuable asset. “We’ve told him he knows that we want to stretch him out like a traditional starter and to have that option is great, knowing that he can be a little bit flexible,” Schneider said. The goal is to build him up to approximately 75 pitches by the end of spring training, with adjustments made as needed. “He’s going into this saying I want to be one of the starters and if that’s the case, that’s the case. And if it’s not, we’re all ready to pivot.”
Lauer echoed this sentiment, stating, “Being able to lock in mentally and physically as a starter is what’s best for me, just because it’s what I normally do, it’s how I normally prepare, I know where I’m supposed to be at certain times.” He aims to replicate his performance from last year and solidify his position as a reliable starter.
Other Blue Jays Notes
Kazuma Okamoto, signed to a four-year, $60 million contract during the offseason, made his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday, going 0-for-2 with a notable defensive play at third base. He’s adjusting to North American baseball while preparing to join Japan for the World Baseball Classic later this month. He’s been receiving guidance from veteran teammates Vladimir Guerrero Jr. And George Springer, who have been helping him with all facets of the game.
Tyler Rogers, who has led all relievers with 403 games and 406.1 innings pitched since 2020, also appeared in the opener, delivering a tidy second inning. Manager Schneider joked about expecting “about 75” of those innings from Rogers this season, to which Rogers responded, “No, probably more.” Rogers’ durability and unique submarine delivery, which prompted the Blue Jays to guarantee him $37 million over three years, are expected to be valuable assets to the bullpen.
Adam Macko, a Canadian lefty, also made his spring debut, touching 97.4 mph during two clean innings. Macko, who will pitch for Canada in the WBC, is on track for the tournament, but remains mindful of pacing himself throughout the season.
As Lauer and his teammates continue to prepare, the Blue Jays are focused on building momentum heading into the regular season. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Lauer’s role and solidifying the team’s roster as they aim to build on their 2023 success.
What remains to be seen is how the Blue Jays’ rotation will ultimately shape up, and whether Lauer can capitalize on this opportunity to secure a starting spot and a favorable contract in free agency. The spring will provide valuable insights into his performance and the team’s plans.
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