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MLB
Blue Jays cut postseason hero after 5 losses in first 8 games
TL;DR
The Toronto Blue Jays designated pitcher Eric Lauer for assignment after he posted a 1-5 record and 6.69 ERA in the first eight games of the 2026 season. This move was made to clear space for pitcher Yariel Rodriguez, who has performed well in Triple-A.
Key points
- Eric Lauer designated for assignment by the Blue Jays
- Lauer had a 1-5 record and 6.69 ERA in 2026
- Yariel Rodriguez promoted to the Blue Jays from Triple-A
Toronto Blue JaysEric LauerYariel Rodriguez
The Toronto Blue Jays designated pitcher Eric Lauer for assignment May 11 after a disastrous start to his season.
Lauer, who was instrumental in the Blue Jaysâ run to Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, was 1-5 with a 6.69 ERA through his first eight games (six starts) of 2026.
MORE: Blue Jays scratch outfielder who threw 101 mph to home plate with sore elbow
The Blue Jays needed to make a 40-man roster move to accommodate the promotion of pitcher Yariel Rodriguez. The Cuban right-hander had a 2.63 ERA in 11 games at Triple-A Buffalo, after being outrighted off their MLB roster in December 2025.
Toronto made another roster swap on May 11. Outfielder Addison Barger injured his right elbow making a clutch throw in the Blue Jaysâ May 9 win over the Los Angeles Angels. He was placed on the 10-day injured list, and rookie outfielder Yohendrick Piñango was recalled from Buffalo.
Barger ripped off a 101.2-mph throw from right field to home plate to retire Jorge Soler at home plate in the second inning of the Blue Jaysâ eventual victory against the Angels. It was the fastest recorded throw by a Blue Jays outfielder in the brief history of Statcast.
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Piñango, who was hitting .423 in his first cup of coffee, had been optioned to Buffalo a day earlier when Barger returned from an ankle injury. It was no surprise to see him return on short notice.
Q&A
Why did the Blue Jays cut Eric Lauer?
The Blue Jays cut Eric Lauer due to his poor performance, recording a 1-5 record and a 6.69 ERA in his first eight games of the 2026 season.
Who is Yariel Rodriguez and why was he promoted?
Yariel Rodriguez is a pitcher who was promoted to the Blue Jays after posting a 2.63 ERA in 11 games at Triple-A Buffalo.
What was Eric Lauer's role in the Blue Jays' previous season?
Eric Lauer was instrumental in the Blue Jays' run to Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.
