In a move that signals the Toronto Blue Jays are prioritizing performance over past heroics, the team designated pitcher Eric Lauer for assignment on May 11. The decision comes after a brutal start to the 2026 season saw Lauer post a 1-5 record with a 6.69 ERA across his first eight appearances (six starts).
Lauer was a postseason legend just months ago, playing a pivotal role in the Blue Jays’ thrilling run to Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. He was virtually untouchable out of the bullpen in October, tossing 4.2 scoreless innings in the marathon 18-inning Game 3. But the magic didn’t carry over. This season, Lauer has allowed a major-league leading 11 home runs, and the Blue Jays—despite a banged-up rotation—decided enough was enough.
To make room on the 40-man roster, Toronto promoted right-hander Yariel Rodriguez from Triple-A Buffalo. The Cuban pitcher has been dominant in the minors, posting a 2.63 ERA in 11 games after being outrighted off the MLB roster in December 2025.
The roster shuffle didn’t stop there. Outfielder Addison Barger was placed on the 10-day injured list after injuring his right elbow during a spectacular throw in the Blue Jays’ May 9 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Barger unleashed a 101.2-mph rocket from right field to nail Jorge Soler at home plate—the hardest recorded throw by a Blue Jays outfielder in Statcast history. Rookie Yohendrick Piñango was recalled from Buffalo to take his spot. Piñango, who was hitting .423 in his first MLB stint, had just been optioned a day earlier when Barger returned from an ankle injury, so his quick recall was no surprise.
Lauer, an eight-year MLB veteran who has pitched for the Blue Jays, Brewers, and Padres, owns a career 46-44 record with a 4.26 ERA. His ability to toggle between the bullpen and rotation made him a valuable asset, but this season’s struggles—coupled with the emergence of young arms—left the team with a tough but necessary call.
For Blue Jays fans, it’s a reminder that in baseball, even postseason heroes aren’t immune to the cold reality of performance metrics. The team is clearly focused on building momentum for another deep playoff run, and sometimes that means making hard decisions early.