Blue Jays Pitcher Criticizes Team's Opener Strategy

Eric Lauer voices frustration over disruption to his routine and role concerns.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:18pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp, overlapping planes representing the disruption and tension caused by the team's use of an opener strategy.A pitcher's frustration with his team's unorthodox pitching strategy is reflected in the fragmented, cubist style of this illustration.Phoenix Today

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer has publicly criticized the team's use of an 'opener' strategy, where a relief pitcher starts the game before handing the ball to Lauer for bulk innings. Lauer expressed his dislike for the approach, saying it disrupts his pregame routine and that he hopes it's not something the team continues doing.

Why it matters

The opener strategy has become more common across MLB, but it can create tension with starting pitchers who prefer a more traditional, consistent routine. Lauer's comments highlight how the tactic can impact player performance and mindset, as well as have financial implications for pitchers working in hybrid roles.

The details

The Blue Jays used the opener strategy in Lauer's Friday outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with Braydon Fisher starting the game before Lauer pitched five bulk innings. Lauer said the approach disrupts his pregame routine, emphasizing that starting pitchers are 'creatures of habit.' He expressed hope that the team will not continue using the opener strategy, though he acknowledged that decision is 'above my pay grade'.

  • On Friday, April 18, 2026, the Blue Jays used an opener before Lauer pitched five bulk innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The players

Eric Lauer

A left-handed pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who has criticized the team's use of an opener strategy.

Braydon Fisher

A relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who served as the opener before Lauer pitched bulk innings in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Toronto Blue Jays

A Major League Baseball team that has been using an opener strategy, which has drawn criticism from pitcher Eric Lauer.

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What they’re saying

“'To be real blunt, I hate it. I can't stand it…'”

— Eric Lauer, Blue Jays Pitcher

“'Hopefully it's not something that we will continue doing, but that's above my pay grade.'”

— Eric Lauer, Blue Jays Pitcher

What’s next

The Blue Jays will need to continue evaluating their pitching strategy and how it impacts players like Eric Lauer, balancing analytics with player comfort and performance.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays' use of an opener strategy has created tension with starting pitcher Eric Lauer, who has publicly criticized the approach for disrupting his routine and role. This highlights the broader debate around the opener strategy in MLB, as teams seek to maximize flexibility and matchups while also considering the impact on individual pitchers.