The Toronto Blue Jays will use an opener ahead of Eric Lauer for Sunday's series finale against the Los Angeles Angels.
Toronto announced after Saturday's win over the Angels that Spencer Miles will serve as the team's opener as they go for a series sweep (1:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 a.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+).
Miles, 25, owns a 3.50 ERA over 18 innings of work for the Blue Jays this season.
The rookie right-hander was selected by Toronto in December's Rule 5 Draft, and has taken to the mound 11 times this campaign — each time in relief.
The Blue Jays last used an opener on April 17 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, when Braydon Fisher pitched in front of Lauer. After the game, Lauer expressed his frustration with Toronto deploying the strategy on his start day.
"To be real blunt, I hate it. I can't stand it," he said before adding later that "It messes with your pre-game routine."
Manager John Schneider addressed the comments, saying that he spoke to Lauer to clear the air.
Lauer's next three outings had been as a traditional starter.
After allowing three runs over 4.1 innings on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays, the 30-year-old southpaw owns a 6.03 ERA on the season over seven appearances.
