Blue Jays Tap Reliever Braydon Fisher as Opener vs D-backs

Veteran starter Eric Lauer will now enter in a bulk-inning role after battling the flu.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:44pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher in the midst of a pitch, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant shades of blue, red, and yellow, capturing the dynamic motion of the sport.The Blue Jays' strategic use of an 'opener' aims to give veteran starter Eric Lauer a better chance to find his rhythm against the Diamondbacks' potent lineup.Phoenix Today

The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that right-handed reliever Braydon Fisher will start Friday's series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks as an 'opener,' with veteran starter Eric Lauer now slated to enter the game in a bulk-inning role. The 25-year-old Fisher has impressed early this season, allowing just one earned run over 9.2 innings with 12 strikeouts and one walk.

Why it matters

The decision to use Fisher as an opener allows the Blue Jays to avoid having Lauer face the Diamondbacks' top hitters, Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll, multiple times. Lauer has struggled with his command recently while battling the flu, so this strategy could help limit the damage against the potent Arizona lineup.

The details

Lauer was originally scheduled to start the series opener, but the Blue Jays have decided to instead have Fisher open the game. Fisher made one opener start last season, but the results were not ideal as he was tagged for five runs in 1.1 innings. However, the young reliever has been much more effective so far in 2026, and the Blue Jays are hoping he can deliver a strong performance to set the stage for Lauer to enter in a more favorable situation.

  • The Blue Jays announced the decision on April 17, 2026, ahead of the series opener against the Diamondbacks that evening.

The players

Braydon Fisher

A 25-year-old right-handed reliever for the Toronto Blue Jays who will make his second career start as an 'opener' on Friday against the Diamondbacks.

Eric Lauer

A 30-year-old veteran left-handed starter for the Toronto Blue Jays who was originally scheduled to start the series opener but will now enter the game in a bulk-inning role after battling the flu.

Ketel Marte

The star second baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, one of the top hitters the Blue Jays are hoping to avoid having Lauer face multiple times.

Corbin Carroll

The talented young outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, another top hitter the Blue Jays are hoping to limit Lauer's exposure to.

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What they’re saying

“Braydon Fisher will open today's game for the Blue Jays vs the Diamondbacks”

— Arden Zwelling, Sportsnet reporter

What’s next

The Blue Jays will be hoping that Fisher can deliver a strong opening performance to set the stage for Lauer to find his rhythm against the Diamondbacks' lineup. If the strategy is successful, it could provide a blueprint for the team to use Fisher in the opener role more often when Lauer or other starters are dealing with health issues.

The takeaway

This move by the Blue Jays highlights the growing trend of teams using 'openers' to strategically manage their pitching staff, especially when a starter is not at full strength. By having Fisher open the game, the Blue Jays can avoid exposing Lauer to the Diamondbacks' top hitters multiple times, potentially giving the veteran lefty a better chance to settle in and find his command after battling the flu.