Eric Lauer delivered six scoreless innings Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium, guiding the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners.
The win extended the team's streak to 9-0 in games Lauer has started since joining the club.
Lauer struck out four batters and allowed just three baserunners while throwing 87 efficient pitches.
His performance required minimal bullpen support, as he handed off a four-run lead after six innings.
The left-hander initially struggled in the first inning, throwing 24 pitches and issuing a walk while hitting a batter.
Seattle's Randy Arozarena stole second base, placing two runners in scoring position. However, Lauer escaped the jam with a strikeout to end the inning.
Postgame, Lauer highlighted the importance of his secondary pitches in maintaining control over the Mariners' lineup.
"I think the slider and the changeup have been big ones for me," said Lauer.
"The changeup for me has always kind of been like the holy grail of what I need to round out my repertoire and get something going armside.
So being able to just be confident using that now and mixing that in a lot more has been huge to keep guys off balance."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Lauer's adaptability and consistency.
"Eric did a nice job of mixing speeds, mixing locations, too," Roberts said. "He's been great ...
the makeup, the preparedness and what he's done for us as far as giving us length. It seems like every time he pitches, we win."
With the MLB Trade Deadline approaching, speculation has arisen about Lauer potentially being moved.
The pitcher acknowledged the rumors but remains focused on his current role with the Dodgers.
"It's something that I was aware of coming over here -- that it might be like a rental thing.
See a need, fill a need kind of thing," Lauer said. "But I mean, I love it here.
I think I'm thriving here, as far as I can tell, and I would love to be part of this team."
He emphasized his approach to staying present and not getting distracted by trade discussions.
"I don't think that that's really something that a player would necessarily even want to know, because when you start playing GM in your head then you start getting away from what your job is," Lauer said.
"I try to make sure I come in, do the best I can to prepare every day, do the best I can when I get out on that mound, and whatever happens."
