With Marcus Stroman off to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, the Blue Jays turned to Casey Lawrence to start Friday’s Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers. Lawrence had been impressive in his prior outings, and once again showed that he might be a late-bloomer to consider this season.
On Friday, Lawrence pitched 3 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks, while also striking out 4 Tigers. Including his 3 earlier spring appearances, Lawrence has allowed just 1 run thus far, a strong showing from a somewhat unlikely candidate in March.