The Padres' first-rounder this summer, Lauer has the size and strength to be a big-league starter, and presents as a polished, low-risk left-hander. He lacks a true out pitch, but demonstrates feel and confidence with his pitches. The fastball has a nice combination of velocity, movement, and command, and it projects to a plus offering. The change shows average potential; he demonstrates feel for the it, and it plays with quality velocity separation. His slider showed improvement from my two looks at him with Kent State in the spring, and shows the makings of an above-average pitch. He did not utilize a curve in this look, though it had previously looked fringy but serviceable as a fourth pitch. He projects as a reliable starter who will slot comfortably into the middle of a rotation, and can he can do so relatively quickly. A late 2017 debut would not out of the question if he hits the ground running next spring.