The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a tough spot, and the root of the problem has a name: Eric Lauer.

After a surprisingly strong 2025 season that had fans believing the left-hander had turned a corner, 2026 has been a harsh reality check. Lauer has regressed significantly, and for a team already dealing with a depleted pitching staff, this is a serious concern.

On Monday night, Lauer lasted just 4.1 innings in a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, surrendering three earned runs while striking out only two. His season ERA now sits at a bloated 6.03, with a WHIP of 1.50—numbers that don't inspire confidence from the mound.

The irony? Lauer had previously voiced his displeasure about pitching behind an opener. But on Monday, when the Blue Jays gave him a traditional start, he gave up a three-run homer in the first inning. Maybe an opener wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Toronto didn't plan for Lauer to be a rotation staple this season. But injuries to key arms like Shane Bieber, Jose Berrios, and Cody Ponce—along with the since-returned Trey Yesavage—forced him into a bigger role than expected. Now, the Blue Jays are left hoping their injured pitchers recover soon, so Lauer can slide back into a less critical position.

For a team with postseason aspirations, relying on a pitcher with a career track record of mediocrity—interrupted only by one standout year—is a gamble that's not paying off. Toronto's depth is stretched thin, and until the health situation improves, Lauer's struggles will remain a glaring weakness in the rotation.