The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Eric Lauer for cash from the Toronto Blue Jays after he was designated for assignment, and he has become an miportant pice for their team.
With Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell hurt and Roki Sasaki struggling, Lauer has stepped up big time. In seven games with the Dodgers, he has a 3.12 ERA and has made four quality starts. He recorded his fourth quality start on Monday night against the Rockies, but it was not his sharpest outing.
"Overall, I was pretty happy with how I was commanding the ball," Lauer said after the game. "I think there was a few pitches I missed locations pretty bad, so that kind of allowed them to put the ball in play. Overall, I'm a little frustrated with how I was throwing the ball. Definitely some things to tighten down."
Lauer left the game having allowed six hits and three earned runs, while issuing two walks and striking out three batters. Overall, it was not a bad outing for him, but he clearly knows he could have been better. The Dodgers blew a 6-1 lead in the game and ended up needing a walk-off single from Dalton Rushing in the 11th inning to win.
It's unclear when Glasnow or Snell will return, so for the time being, Lauer seems to be a regular in the rotation. However, if he continues to pitch well, it will be hard not to continue with him when Glasnow and Snell return. Roki Sasaki may get bumped to the bullpen in that case.