Eric Lauer accepted the Dodgers' opener plan, and the reason was simple: Dave Roberts explained it early and made the game plan firm. The 31-year-old then followed that structure with six no-hit innings against the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium on the 23rd.
He allowed three walks and struck out two. For a pitcher who had a 6.69 ERA with Toronto earlier this season, that kind of outing fit a different role and a different message from the one he had heard before.
Roberts set the plan early
Lauer said Roberts told him very early that the Dodgers planned to use an opener strategy. He also said they reached a clear agreement that the plan would not change during the game, which gave him a defined path before he took the mound.
The right-hander put it plainly: "Manager Roberts told me very early on that he was planning to use the opener strategy." He added, "We had a good conversation; the manager explained his thoughts, and I explained mine. We then reached a clear agreement: 'This is our plan, this is the direction we are heading, and we will never change our minds during the game.'"
That advance setup is the difference here. Lauer said the sudden change of plans was the most difficult part for him during his time with Toronto, and that history helps explain why the same kind of role landed differently with the Dodgers. Will Klein opens Dodgers vs Twins with Eric Lauer behind him as the opener led into Lauer's six-inning run.
Toronto stayed in the background
Lauer's previous season with Toronto gives the move more edge. He pitched 104⅔ innings for Toronto last season, was designated for assignment earlier this season, and has since made five appearances with the Dodgers, including four starts, while posting a 2.54 ERA.
He said, "(During my time with Toronto) the sudden change of plans was the most difficult part for me." He also said, "With the Dodgers, the firmness of the plan allowed me to prepare at my best when I took the mound."
The structure matters because the Dodgers are short on rotation options with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow injured. Lauer has already shown he can handle the flexible role, but the only thing the team has made clear is the one he described: the plan stays fixed once it is set.
Dodgers rotation pressure
That leaves the Dodgers with a practical choice rather than a philosophical one. Lauer has given them six no-hit innings in this setup, and Roberts has already shown he is willing to spell out the job before first pitch. What comes next is whether the Dodgers keep using him this way, and for how long.
