Blue Jays Castoff Returning To Role He ‘Can’t Stand’ After Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Update

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 29: Eric Lauer #56 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on before game two of a split doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 29, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

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The Toronto Blue Jays' decision to move on from a veteran pitcher earlier this season came amid a difficult season, both on the mound and in the clubhouse.

Now, as the Blue Jays fight for a playoff spot down the stretch, they have come to rely on a new cast of pitchers following numerous injuries, trades and acquisitions. And meanwhile, that former Blue Jays veteran is headed back toward the kind of role he detested in Toronto, though he is likely more open to it now that he’s enjoying a resurgence for the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

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Left-handed swingman Eric Lauer was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays after struggling through the 2026 season, and his frustration with how manager John Schneider utilized him in a piggyback role was hardly a secret.

“To say that Eric Lauer didn't enjoy coming out of the bullpen behind an opener on Friday would be an understatement,” Sportsnet reported in April. "’It's definitely different. To be real blunt, I hate it. I can't stand it,’ Lauer told reporters after a 6-3 Blue Jays loss. ‘You work with what you got. Part of it, too, we're trying to mix some things up. We're trying to find ways to win, so I think it's a game plan we had, and I think we went out there and tried to execute the best we could.’”

It seemed like Lauer’s public frustration played a role in Toronto’s decision to move on, sending Lauer to Los Angeles for cash considerations. And he has thrived with the Dodgers ever since, though now he is headed toward a similar piggybacking role for his new team.

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The Dodgers acquired Lauer to help address their rotation depth after he posted a 6.69 ERA in eight appearances with Toronto. His 2026 struggles represented a sharp departure from his previous experience, but Los Angeles saw enough value to give him another opportunity.

Since joining the National League powerhouse, Lauer has a solid 3.76 ERA while starting 11 of the 12 games he has appeared in. But now he is headed back toward piggybacking.

“The Dodgers have shifted Eric Lauer into a relief role for at least this next turn through the rotation,” Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo reported for The Athletic. “The left-hander said Sunday morning he could provide length as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday with Tyler Glasnow (making his first start since May) and Roki Sasaki as probable starters. If Ohtani does pitch, Lauer would be the logical piggyback option, (manager Dave) Roberts acknowledged.”

Though Lauer was outspoken about his desire to start games in Toronto, it does seem he will be more willing to play a piggyback role with the Dodgers without complaint. He has generally praised his new organization in public comments.

“They had been pretty open with me communication-wise about what they were thinking, what I was thinking,” Lauer said, following the trade deadline earlier this month, according to the New York Post’s Jack Harris. “I expressed to them that I wanted to be a Dodger. So, I think they took that to heart.”

And with a chance to help the two-way superstar Ohtani get back on track on the mound, Lauer could be much more open to a relief role.