Tuesday Bantering: Lauer, Piñango

TL;DR

The Toronto Blue Jays have the same record as last year at this time, raising concerns about their performance. Eric Lauer aims to increase his pitching velocity, while the team considers lineup changes to improve offense.

Key points

Toronto Blue Jays have the same record as last year.
Eric Lauer aims to increase his pitching velocity.
Davis Schneider may be sent down to improve the lineup.

Toronto Blue JaysTampa Bay RaysBaltimore Orioles

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MAY 04: Eric Lauer #56 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on May 04, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images Does it give you comfort to know that the Jays have the exact record they had last year at this time? No, me neither. If it is going to be like last year, now is the time to turn it around. In May last year they were 16-12. Eric Lauer wasn’t throwing as hard as he did last year, not that he was the cause of the loss. The lack of offense made it very unlikely we were going to win, but if he wants to be part of the rotation when we get back Shane Bieber (but that’s no until near the end of the month). They could put him and Jose Berrios together I guess. From Ben Nicholson-Smith game post:

The left-hander sat 90.3 m.p.h. with his fastball Monday, and he wants to see that number climb. With that in mind, he intends to throw a ‘velo pen’ this week — basically a bullpen session in which he’ll try to max out his velocity, “really try to rip it” by “building the power from the ground up.” This is the question I’ve been asking myself: If not Piñango, who? ? Normally I’d like to keep the right-handed batter, but he’s off to a really slow start. Sending him down would force another lefty batter into the lineup against left-handed starters, but then they could hardly be worse than Davis has been. Schneider was a 1.3 bWAR player in about half a season of play, last year. I don’t believe he could have forgotten how to play over the summer. But he’s going to have to show it at some point and maybe it is time he figures it out in Buffalo. Or Lenyn Jose could be DFAed. Same thing, he’s a right-handed batter, replacing him for a lefty means there would be one less platoon option. Anyway, we will find out soon. Addison will be back Friday, if not sooner. ’s kids are confused about him playing for the . “They loved Ace.” I’d be confused too:

Q&A

What is Eric Lauer's current pitching velocity and how is he addressing it?

Eric Lauer's fastball is currently averaging 90.3 mph, and he plans to throw a 'velo pen' to maximize his velocity.

Who might the Toronto Blue Jays send down to improve their lineup?

Davis Schneider is a candidate for being sent down due to his slow start, which could lead to another left-handed batter being added to the lineup.

What is the significance of the Blue Jays' record being the same as last year?

Having the same record as last year raises concerns about the team's ability to improve and compete effectively as the season progresses.