This is why teams put starting pitchers in their bullpen for the postseason.
Just in case.
Eric Lauer is in the game for the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of the World Series as extra innings move onward.
He’s a starting pitcher by trade.
But now, he’s the guy tasked with keeping the game going.
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Why is Eric Lauer pitching out of Blue Jays’ bullpen?
Lauer was surplus to starting rotation requirements, and so he’s in the bullpen.
He was really good as a starter in the regular season, but as soon as Trey Yesavage was promoted, that was it for Lauer’s chances of starting in the playoffs.
The Blue Jays have gone Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber as their four-man postseason pitching rotation.
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That leaves Lauer, and Chris Bassitt, in the bullpen.
Lauer likely has to go as long as he possibly can in Game 3. If the game keeps going, he’ll keep pitching.
The Blue Jays are almost out of relievers otherwise, so it’s a good thing they had Lauer down there.
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