How Spencer Miles can help aid the Blue Jays' rotation

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Spencer Miles. David Kirouac-Imagn Images

How Spencer Miles can help aid the Blue Jays' rotation amid Eric Lauer's struggles

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 10, 2026 5:41 PM ET

Things just keep getting worse for Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer, who has been the weakest link in the starting rotation.

In late April, Lauer expressed frustrations with being a bulk pitcher. But on Sunday, Lauer had Spencer Miles and Tommy Nance open for him. Both Miles and Nance combined to pitch four scoreless innings.

When Lauer entered the game, he immediately struggled with his control on the mound, as six of his first seven pitches thrown were balls.

His performance ended with giving up six earned runs, including three home runs and two walks. Overall, his 1-5 record and 6.69 ERA across 36.1 innings demand that a change be made in the rotation.

I remember standing in the room for the Rule 5 Draft with Spencer Miles' page up on my phone, thinking... Surely, they didn't just draft a guy who hasn't pitched above A-ball.

The #BlueJays nailed this one. Credit to the pitching coaches, in particular. Huge development win. pic.twitter.com/76mwWc34Lx
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) May 10, 2026

Making the case for Spencer Miles over Eric Lauer

Lauer has also continued to struggle with the long ball, giving up multiple home runs across several outings. He's already given up 11, and in 2025, he gave up 15.

The Blue Jays' hands have been tied with injuries to Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer. While the Blue Jays await their return, Spencer Miles could help solve the team's pitching troubles.

As a long reliever, Miles has demonstrated that he has the tools to be a temporary starter. He's succeeded with a 3.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 18 innings.

As a Rule 5 pick, the 25-year-old has shown his capability of being a flamethrower with high-velocity pitches reaching 98 mph. His reliability is what makes him a prime candidate to be in the rotation over Lauer.

Through Miles' multi-inning role, he's fully qualified to pitch in the rotation if he can stretch out his workload. He pitched three scoreless innings on Sunday, so increasing that to five isn't a long shot.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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