Eric Lauer

Fantasy News

• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Rotation spot opens

  Rotowire Mar 20, 2026

  Lauer is expected to begin the season in the Blue Jays' rotation with Trey Yesavage (shoulder) headed for the IL, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports. While manager John Schneider didn't guarantee the southpaw a spot in the rotation Thursday, there wouldn't seem to be any other clear options in camp for Toronto with Yesavage, Shane Bieber (forearm) and Jose Berrios (elbow) all on the shelf. "He's got a good chance," Schneider said. "Just got to figure out exactly who is where." The Jays play seven straight games to begin their regular season, six at home against the A's and Rockies before beginning a road series against the White Sox on April 2, so using a four-man rotation early wouldn't seem to be an option. Lauer's last spring outing came on a back field, but he built up to nearly 70 pitches in a minor-league game. Over 104.2 innings in a swingman role in 2025, the 30-year-old posted a 3.18 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 102:26 K:BB in 28 appearances (15 starts).

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Still getting stretched out

  Rotowire Mar 12, 2026

  Lauer allowed four runs on four hits and a walk over 3.1 innings in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. He struck out three. The big blow off the southpaw was a three-run shot by Giancarlo Stanton in the third inning. Lauer built up to 60 pitches (39 strikes), and while he's still expected to begin the season as a long reliever, his path to a spot in the rotation is beginning to look a little clearer. Shane Bieber (forearm) will begin the year on the IL, and Jose Berrios is dealing with elbow inflammation. That could leave Max Scherzer and Lauer in line to be the No. 5 and, if needed, No. 6 starters for the first weeks of the season.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Loses arbitration battle

  Rotowire Feb 11, 2026

  Lauer will earn $4.4 million in 2026 after losing his arbitration hearing with the Blue Jays on Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Lauer had filed for a $5.75 million salary, coming off a 2025 campaign in which he delivered a 3.18 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 102:26 K:BB in 104.2 innings. The veteran lefty brought some stability to the back end of the Toronto rotation for much of the summer before he transitioned into a relief role once the Blue Jays regained some health with the returns of Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer from injuries. Scherzer is now a free agent, but with Toronto retaining Bieber, trading for Dylan Cease and preparing breakout postseason star Trey Yesavage for a full-time rotation spot in 2026, Lauer could see a larger share of his appearances out of the bullpen during the upcoming season.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Moving to bullpen

  Rotowire Sep 1, 2025

  Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Lauer will shift to the bullpen for the remainder of the season, as the team transitions back to a five-man rotation, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. Lauer has generally been dependable as a back-end starter for the Blue Jays, but he was knocked around over his four appearances (three starts) in August, allowing 13 runs (11 earned) on 27 hits and six home runs over 18.2 innings. With Shane Bieber looking strong thus far since completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery and returning from the injured list, the Blue Jays were comfortable proceeding with five starters. Lauer will likely operate as a multi-inning option out of the bullpen, and if he performs well down the stretch, he could secure a spot on the Blue Jays' postseason roster.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Hit hard vs. Twins

  Rotowire Aug 28, 2025

  Lauer didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against Minnesota, allowing eight runs (six earned) on 10 hits across 4.2 innings. He struck out four. It was a rough outing for the left-hander, who gave up a season-high four homers before departing with two outs in the fifth inning. Prior to Wednesday, Lauer had not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his first 14 starts this year. Overall, his ERA sits at 3.21 with a 1.13 WHIP and 91:25 K:BB across 92.2 innings this season. Per manager John Schneider, Lauer will likely move into the bullpen down the stretch with Shane Bieber returning to the rotation.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Slated to start Wednesday

  Rotowire Aug 23, 2025

  Lauer is expected to start Wednesday's game against Minnesota in Toronto, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports. With Shane Bieber returning from the 60-day injured list to make his Toronto debut Friday, manager John Schneider indicated Lauer would be moving to a relief role. While Schneider told Mae that Lauer will still be available for a brief appearance out of the bullpen in Saturday's game in Miami, the Blue Jays still plan to have the lefty start at least one more time Wednesday in order to give Bieber extra rest between outings. It's not yet clear if Lauer will handle a full workload in his start next week, nor is it known whether Toronto will opt for a six-man rotation for any additional amount of time as Bieber gets back into a groove as he settles back in following his April 2024 Tommy John surgery.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Shifting to relief for now

  Rotowire Aug 20, 2025

  Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Wednesday that Lauer will be available out of the bullpen for this weekend's series in Miami, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. Shane Bieber (elbow) is poised to make his Blue Jays debut Friday, which means Lauer will be booted out of the rotation, despite logging a 2.76 ERA and 87:25 K:BB over 88 innings covering 20 appearances (14 starts). Schneider added that it's "not a [permanent] move to the bullpen" for Lauer, so the left-hander could still make some starts for Toronto down the stretch.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Chased early versus Dodgers

  Rotowire Aug 10, 2025

  Lauer allowed three runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four over three innings in a no-decision versus the Dodgers on Sunday. Lauer didn't have much command, throwing just 42 of 71 pitches for strikes. He served up solo home runs to Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in the first inning and walked in a run in the third before his exit. Prior to Sunday, Lauer had pitched pretty well, posting a 2.57 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 34:4 K:BB over his previous six outings. His struggles in this start can be chalked up to a tough opponent -- he's earned the benefit of the doubt. On the year, Lauer has a 2.82 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 83:22 K:BB through 83 innings over 19 appearances (13 starts). The left-hander is projected to make his next start at home versus the Rangers.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Cruises behind generous run support

  Rotowire Aug 5, 2025

  Lauer (7-2) earned the win over Colorado on Monday, allowing one run on seven hits and one walk while striking out four batters over six innings. Toronto's offense put up nine runs through three innings, taking the stress off Lauer as he cruised through six one-run frames. The left-hander threw 64 of 97 pitches for strikes and notched 13 whiffs while finishing with his fourth quality start over his past six outings. Lauer hasn't given up more than two runs in any start and has posted a 2.57 ERA with a superb 34:4 K:BB across 35 frames over that six-game span. He's next lined up for a road start against the Dodgers this weekend.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Twirls gem in win

  Rotowire Jul 25, 2025

  Lauer (6-2) picked up the win after throwing eight innings, allowing one run on five hits and no walks while striking out six, during Thursday's 11-4 win over the Tigers. Facing one of the league's top offenses, Lauer delivered his best start of the season. His longest start prior to Thursday was six innings, but he bested that by two frames and allowed just one run in the process. Since the 30-year-old has been stretched back out to being a starter, he's been one of the Blue Jays more reliable options, not allowing more than three runs in an appearance all season. His ERA sits at 2.61 with 71 strikeouts over 69 innings, with his next appearance scheduled to be on the road at Baltimore.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Fans seven in fifth win

  Rotowire Jul 19, 2025

  Lauer (5-2) picked up the win in Saturday's 6-3 victory over the Giants, allowing two runs on two hits over six innings. He struck out seven without walking a batter. The southpaw continues to impress at the back of the Blue Jays' rotation. Lauer produced his second quality start of the season on 81 pitches (58 strikes), and he's given up more than two runs in only two of 15 appearances. He'll take a 2.80 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 65:16 K:BB through 61 innings into his next start, which is scheduled to come on the road next week in Detroit.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Falls to White Sox

  Rotowire Jul 9, 2025

  Lauer (4-2) took the loss Wednesday against the White Sox, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out seven. Lauer was solid Wednesday, holding Chicago scoreless through his first three innings while allowing just one hit. However, the left-hander would surrender a pair of runs on three hits in the fourth, which proved to be enough to stick him with the loss in a 2-1 defeat. It's been an impressive year overall for Lauer, who joined Toronto's rotation in June when Bowden Francis (shoulder) landed on the IL -- he's yet to allow more than three runs in an outing. Lauer sports a 2.78 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP and 58:16 K:BB across 55 innings this season.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Coughs up three runs

  Rotowire Jun 29, 2025

  Lauer did not factor in the decision during Sunday's win over Boston. He allowed three runs on seven hits over 4.1 innings while striking out four. Lauer coughed up a pair of runs in the second inning before Boston plated one more in the fifth. He had given up four runs over his previous 24.1 innings (1.48 ERA) entering Sunday's outing. Lauer went 3-0 during that span but hasn't completed six innings in any appearance this season. Still, he owns a 2.60 ERA with a 45:14 K:BB through 45 frames this season. Lauer's next outing is expected to be at home against the Angels.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Strikes out eight in win

  Rotowire Jun 18, 2025

  Lauer (3-1) earned the win Wednesday over the Diamondbacks, allowing a run on four hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out eight. Lauer was excellent Wednesday, blanking Arizona for five innings before ultimately allowing a leadoff triple in the sixth to Corbin Carroll, who came around to score after the Jays turned to the bullpen. The 30-year-old Lauer lowered his ERA to 2.29 through 35.1 innings this season, which is accompanied by a 0.93 WHIP and 36:11 K:BB. The left-hander certainly made a case to remain in Toronto's rotation going forward, even with Max Scherzer (thumb) nearing a return from the IL.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Confirmed as Wednesday's starter

  Rotowire Jun 17, 2025

  Lauer will start Wednesday's contest versus the Diamondbacks, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. Lauer has bounced back and forth between being used as a traditional starter and a bulk reliever since getting called up from Triple-A Buffalo in late April. He's fared better in the latter role with a 0.96 ERA in six appearances, but the Blue Jays will give him a start against Arizona. With Bowden Francis (shoulder) out indefinitely, Lauer could get a long run in the Toronto rotation.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Set to be piggybacked by Turnbull

  Rotowire Jun 11, 2025

  Lauer will start Wednesday's game against the Cardinals, though Spencer Turnbull is expected to work behind him as a bulk reliever, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports. Manager John Schneider said Monday that Turnbull is set to handle a multi-inning role out of the bullpen for Toronto after being recalled from Triple-A Buffalo, and Wednesday's contest represents a good opportunity for the Blue Jays to break him in for some extended work. Lauer has been the Blue Jays' nominal No. 5 starter since late April, making two starts and five bulk-relief appearances among his eight outings. The southpaw hasn't covered more than 4.2 innings in any of those appearances, and the Blue Jays are likely to continue to keep his workload in check to optimize his performance. Since Lauer is unlikely to reach five innings Wednesday, Turnbull is the more likely of the two pitchers to factor into the decision.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Collects second win of 2025

  Rotowire Jun 6, 2025

  Lauer (2-1) earned the win in Friday's 6-4 victory over the Twins, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two across 2.1 scoreless innings. Lauer entered at the beginning of the bottom of the third inning after opener Paxton Schultz gave up three runs through the first two frames. The veteran southpaw was able to keep the Twins off the board during his extended relief appearance, and he got enough run support from the Toronto batters to come away with a win. The 30-year-old has a 2.08 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 24:9 K:BB across 26 innings this season. He's tentatively slated to make his next start or bulk-relief appearance against the Cardinals on the road next week.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Drawing another start Friday

  Rotowire May 23, 2025

  Lauer is slated to start Friday's game against the Rays in Tampa. The veteran lefty will pick up a second straight start and his third straight turn through the Toronto rotation, as he had previously served as a bulk reliever behind Jose Urena in a May 11 win over Seattle. Lauer has made four appearances in total for Toronto this season and owns a 2.25 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB across 12 innings. He should be able to hold down a rotation spot until either Max Scherzer (thumb) is cleared to return from the 60-day injured list, or Spencer Turnbull is built up enough in the minors.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: Picks up win in bulk relief

  Rotowire May 11, 2025

  Lauer (1-0) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out five over 4.2 scoreless innings to earn the win Sunday over the Mariners. Jose Urena started, but he covered two innings and was pulled after giving up a solo home run to Dylan Moore to lead off the third. Lauer then took over and threw over twice as many pitches as Urena (63 to 31). Lauer has made two bulk-relief appearances and one as a more traditional reliever. While Urena appears to officially have a spot in the rotation, Lauer has also been kept on a starter's schedule since his April 30 season debut. The situation is fluid for now, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Lauer eventually get a start since he has history in that role in his previous major-league stops with Milwaukee and San Diego.

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• Blue Jays' Eric Lauer: No-decision in season debut

  Rotowire Apr 30, 2025

  Lauer didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Red Sox after allowing two runs on three hits and two walks in four innings. He struck out four. Lauer made his Blue Jays debut Wednesday, piggybacking off opener Yariel Rodriguez in the second inning. The left-hander landed just 45 of his 77 pitches for strikes, but he did induce 12 whiffs in the process. It remains to be seen what kind of role Lauer will play in Toronto going forward, whether it be as a traditional starter or long reliever, but he should see additional opportunities either way while Max Scherzer (thumb) is on the injured list. Lauer is tentatively set to face the Angels next week.

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