Blue Jays Make Decision Before Diamondbacks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Hudson | Last updated Apr 17, 2026 3:14 PM ET

As the Toronto Blue Jays prepare to face the Arizona Diamondbacks, they enter the matchup on a two-game losing streak and with a depleted pitching staff. In response, the team has named right-handed reliever Braydon Fisher the starting pitcher, a move driven largely by ongoing injury concerns throughout the roster, with Eric Lauer expected to follow as the long reliever. (h/t Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet)

Toronto is currently without several key arms, including José Berríos, who is dealing with an elbow stress fracture, and Shane Bieber, sidelined with elbow inflammation. Yimi García is also on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to March 22, as he recovers from right elbow surgery addressing issues with his ulnar nerve and AC joint.

Additional setbacks include Trey Yesavage, who began the season on the injured list with a shoulder impingement, and Cody Ponce, expected to miss about six months after ACL surgery.

These injuries have significantly impacted the Blue Jays’ pitching depth heading into this game.

Braydon Fisher will open today’s game for the Blue Jays vs the Diamondbacks
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) April 17, 2026

Without their traditional starters available, the Blue Jays are leaning on their pitching depth, placing added pressure on both the offense and bullpen to keep the team competitive while they await reinforcements. Fisher will open the game, a strategic move aimed at navigating the top of Arizona’s lineup before left-hander Lauer enters as the bulk pitcher.

This approach allows Lauer to avoid the Diamondbacks’ most dangerous hitters early, especially following a rough outing in which he allowed seven earned runs on five hits and five walks over 5 1/3 innings. Fisher, meanwhile, brings consistency out of the bullpen. Last season, he appeared in 52 games for Toronto, posting a 2.70 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts across 50 innings.

By deploying Fisher as an opener, Toronto hopes to stabilize the early innings and set up Lauer for a more favorable stretch later in the game.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider © Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Lauer showed strong growth last season after signing with the Blue Jays, becoming a reliable presence on the mound. He appeared in 28 games, recording a 3.18 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and 102 strikeouts over 104 2/3 innings.

Lauer was originally drafted by Toronto in the 17th round in 2013 out of Midview High School in Ohio and later selected 25th overall by the San Diego Padres in 2016 from Kent State. He is signed through 2026 on a one-year, $4.4 million deal.

Fisher’s path has also been notable. A fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018, he returned from Tommy John surgery before making his Blue Jays debut on May 11, 2025. Known for a high-90s fastball and sharp slider, he has excelled in high-leverage relief roles. Fisher is under contract on a one-year, $796,600 deal for the 2026 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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