Spencer Miles to Open Before Eric Lauer Against Angels

Spencer Miles will open for the Blue Jays on Sunday before eric lauer takes over in the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels. Toronto made the move after Saturday’s win, giving its bullpen game a different shape for the last meeting of the series.

Miles, 25, has worked only in relief this season. He has a 3.50 ERA over 18 innings in 11 appearances, and Toronto selected him in December’s Rule 5 Draft.

Eric Lauer Faces Another Opener

The setup sends Lauer back into the same arrangement Toronto used on April 17 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, when Braydon Fisher pitched in front of him. After that game, Lauer was blunt about the strategy: “To be real blunt, I hate it. I can't stand it,” he said. “It messes with your pre-game routine.”

Manager John Schneider later said he spoke to Lauer to clear the air, and Lauer’s next three outings were traditional starts. Sunday brings the opener back into his start day for the first time since then.

Miles Brings Relief Work

Saturday’s assignment fits Miles’ profile. Every one of his 11 appearances has come in relief, so he will again be asked to cover the first frame before the game shifts to Lauer.

The left-hander has allowed three runs over 4.1 innings in his most recent outing, Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays, leaving Toronto with a 30-year-old starter carrying a 6.03 ERA over seven appearances behind an opener who has yet to start this season.

Blue Jays Change The Script

The Blue Jays have now gone back to the opener look after more than a month without it. For Toronto, the move again defines how Sunday begins: Miles first, Lauer after, and the Angels facing a pitching plan that has already tested both players this season.