spencer miles will open Sunday for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Los Angeles Angels, giving Eric Lauer the game after him in the series finale. Toronto is trying to sweep the Angels, and this is the second time the club has used an opener this season.
Miles Gets the First Turn
The 25-year-old has spent every outing in relief this season, which makes this a different assignment than the one he has handled in his first run with Toronto. Miles owns a 3.50 ERA over 18 innings, and the Blue Jays selected him in December's Rule 5 Draft.
He has taken the mound 11 times this campaign, all in relief. That usage fits the pattern Toronto has leaned on when it wants a short opening stint before turning the game over to another arm.
Lauer Follows Behind
Toronto last used an opener on April 17 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, when Braydon Fisher pitched in front of Lauer. After that game, Lauer said, "To be real blunt, I hate it. I can't stand it," and added, "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 came as a traditional starter. He followed that stretch with three runs allowed over 4.1 innings on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays, leaving him with a 6.03 ERA over seven appearances.
Blue Jays Push for Sweep
The opener choice gives Toronto a different look for Sunday, but it also keeps Lauer in the role he has handled since that brief April detour. Fans should expect Miles to set the tone first, then hand the game over as Toronto tries to finish the sweep against Los Angeles.
