The Jays didn’t trust Lauer to finish the fifth with a 5-2 lead. In posting a 2.37 ERA in nine appearances for the Jays, he’s pitched at least three innings seven times, but he’s never completed five innings, which means he really needs to work behind an opener to have much chance of getting a win. The victory today wound up going to Spencer Turnbull, who threw scoreless sixth and seventh innings. The Jays have off days tomorrow and Monday, so Lauer probably won’t be needed again for a while.

Lauer gave up two homers. He averaged only 90.9 mph with his fastball tonight, which was down a tick from his previous start. Lauer was a solid starter for Milwaukee while averaging 93 mph a few years back, but he’s mostly been around 91 mph since 2023. If he makes another start next week, it’ll probably come against the Rangers.

After a scoreless first inning, Lauer served up a solo homer to Spencer Torkelson to lead off the second. He completed one more inning, scattering two more hits while striking out five batters. Lauer would pitch just the three innings against Detroit. The 29-year-old left-hander has been effective in abbreviated outings, posting a 2.25 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and a 14/3 K/BB ratio across 12 innings. He’ll likely remain in this role, either opening or following an opener for shorter, multi-inning outings. The next start for this spot in the rotation is set to come Friday against Rays in Tampa.

Lauer tossed 4 2/3 scoreless innings last Sunday against the Mariners to pick up a win in relief. The 29-year-old lefty doesn’t possess an overpowering arsenal, but he’s done a phenomenal job this season a long relief role. He’ll make a traditional start on Saturday against a red-hot Tigers’ lineup, which makes it challenging to recommend him for streaming purposes outside of extremely deep mixed leagues and AL-only formats.