"In the most recent version of this injury-shortened rotation, that final starting role belonged to Eric Lauer, who, after struggling to a 6.69 ERA and 6.2 per cent strikeout-minus-walk rate in eight appearances (six starts) this season, was designated for assignment by the organization on Monday."
"The roster move came as a bit of a shock, not because of what's transpired in 2026 thus far, but due to the significant role Lauer played for this team a season ago. He essentially served as the rotation's saviour, heralded as one of the franchise's most valuable players. Without him pitching his way up from Triple-A Buffalo, chances are this team would have endured a second straight playoff-less October last fall."
""It's unfortunate to lose a great guy, great pitcher, after what he did last year for us. I don't think we get to where we were last year without him," said Kevin Gausman, who allowed season-highs in earned runs (six) and hits (10) while reaching the 2,000-strikeout mark on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays."
"The Blue Jays ultimately decided that a change was needed, necessitating another tough conversation amidst the team's tough start across the first quarter of the 2026 campaign. They were at a crossroads with Lauer. He had struggled in a traditional starting role, pitching to an inflated 6.15 ERA and 6.69 FIP in six starts, and also expressed his displeasure about working behind an opener."
Eric Lauer’s role as the Blue Jays’ fifth starter became unstable throughout the 2026 season, culminating in a designation for assignment after a 6.69 ERA and a 6.2% strikeout-minus-walk rate across eight appearances, including six starts. The move surprised many because Lauer had been a major contributor in 2025, helping the team reach the postseason after being promoted from Triple-A Buffalo. Kevin Gausman credited Lauer as essential to last year’s success. The organization decided a change was necessary amid a difficult early season, with Lauer struggling as a traditional starter and expressing dissatisfaction with working behind an opener. His final appearance came against the Los Angeles Angels, where he did not pitch as the bulk starter.
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