Paxton Schultz will take to the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday as they open their series against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
The team announced the decision earlier in the day as it continues to sort out the pitching rotation moving forward.
According to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith, Eric Lauer is expected to be involved in the series opener as well, taking on a bulk pitching role.
Shultz, 27, is in the midst of his first MLB season and has made six appearances with Toronto. He's posted a 1.84 ERA and one save with 20 strikeouts and four walks through 14.2 innings of work.
The right-hander's lone start of the year came against the Texas Rangers last Wednesday in what ended up as a 2-0 win for the Blue Jays. Schultz lasted 2.2 innings, allowing one hit while striking out four.
His most recent outing came in a loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, giving up two hits with three strikeouts through 1.1 innings.
Meanwhile, Lauer had made seven appearances with Toronto this season, holding a 2.28 ERA through 23.2 innings of work. He's picked up two saves during that span, while allowing six runs, walking eight and striking out 22.
The lefty also last pitched in relief in that Tuesday loss to the Phillies. He went four innings, allowing no hits while walking one and striking out two.
The Blue Jays enter Friday's series opener against the Twins riding high, winners of six of their last seven and on a two-game win streak. Toronto is 33-29, tied with the Tampa Bay Rays for second in the AL East, 5.5 games back of the New York Yankees.
Catch first pitch on Sportsnet or Sportsnet+ at 8:10 p.m. ET / 5:10 p.m. PT.
