The Blue Jays made some significant moves recently, designating left-hander Eric Lauer for assignment. This change opens up a spot for right-hander Yariel Rodríguez, who the team plans to activate. Additionally, infielder/outfielder Addison Barger was placed on the 10-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, prompting the recall of outfielder Yohendrick Pinango.
Lauer’s journey with the Blue Jays has had its ups and downs. He joined the team with a minor league contract in 2025 and saw action in the majors when injuries hit the roster. His performance was solid, with a 3.18 ERA over 104 2/3 innings, and he contributed during the postseason. However, things took a turn in 2026 when the club and Lauer couldn’t agree on a salary in arbitration, further straining their relationship.
Despite a rocky start this season, Lauer had hoped to secure a spot in the rotation. The Jays had signed big names like Dylan Cease and Max Scherzer, causing concern for Lauer. While injuries initially opened up opportunities, his performance didn’t meet expectations. He currently holds a 6.69 ERA, significantly worse than his previous season.
Experts suggest that Lauer’s struggles may stem from frustrations regarding his role and recent health issues. Pitching coach Jordan Romano notes that inconsistent routines can hinder performance. Lauer himself expressed his discontent with being shifted between starting and relief roles, saying, “I can’t stand it.”
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are also dealing with other key injuries. Barger, who recently returned from another issue, is now sidelined again, adding to their challenges. With players like George Springer and Alejandro Kirk already on the shelf, the team’s performance has been lackluster, starting the season 18-22.
As for Lauer’s future, he enters the DFA process, a waiting game that could last up to a week. If he clears waivers, he has the option to reject assignment and pursue free agency. The Blue Jays would remain responsible for his contract, but any new team would only pay a prorated minimum wage.
This complex situation highlights how quickly fortunes can change in sports. Historically, even top-performing players can struggle and find themselves unexpectedly benched. The Blue Jays need to navigate their roster carefully to cope with ongoing injuries while considering their long-term strategy.
For now, the Jays will field an outfield comprised of Daulton Varsho, Myles Straw, Davis Schneider, Jesús Sánchez, and Pinango in the absence of Barger. Fans will be watching closely as the team seeks to rebound during a challenging stretch ahead of them.
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