Breaking: Toronto Blue Jays Bring in Eric Lauer for Spot Start, Designate Casey Lawrence for Assignment
In a move to bolster their pitching staff, the Toronto Blue Jays have selected left-hander Eric Lauer to their roster, according to multiple sources. The 30-year-old will make his first major league appearance in over a year, starting today’s game against the Boston Red Sox. To make room for Lauer on the 40-man roster, the Blue Jays have designated veteran right-hander Casey Lawrence for assignment.
Lauer, who signed a minor league deal with Toronto in the offseason, has been pitching for Triple-A Buffalo this year. Hes logged 24 innings over five starts, posting a 4.50 ERA with a 20.6% strikeout rate and 5.9% walk rate. The Blue Jays are currently in need of innings, whether from a starter or a bulk guy, due to a recent string of rainouts and off-days in the schedule.
Lawrence, who was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays just last week, was called upon to provide long relief in their game against the Red Sox last night. He tossed 2 2/3 innings, giving up one earned run. This is the fourth time this year Lawrence has been designated for assignment, having previously been DFA’d by the Mariners on three separate occasions.
Lauers tenure with the Blue Jays may be brief, as the team plans to juggle their rotation using off-days in the schedule. They could return to a four-man rotation following Mondays off-day, potentially pushing Lauer back to Triple-A Buffalo. However, if Lauer impresses in his start today, he could hold onto a rotation spot for a few turns while Easton Lucas and Jake Bloss remain in Triple-A as depth options.
Blue Jays Add Depth to Rotation, Designate Lawrence for Assignment
Toronto Bolsters Pitching Staff with Eric Lauer
The Toronto Blue Jays have bolstered their pitching staff with the addition of left-hander Eric Lauer, who has been selected to the 40-man roster. To make room for Lauer, veteran Casey Lawrence has been designated for assignment.
Lauer’s Journey to the Blue Jays
Mitch Bannon of The Athletic and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reported the news, with Bannon noting Lauer’s scratch from Triple-A Buffalo’s starting rotation, and Davidi confirming Lauer’s move to the Jays.
Lauer’s Numbers and Recent History
Lauer, who will turn 30 in June, signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays in the offseason. Thus far in 2025, he has made five starts for Triple-A Buffalo, logging 24 innings with a 4.50 earned run average (ERA), a 20.6% strikeout rate, and a 5.9% walk rate. While his numbers might not jump off the page, Lauer brings experience and depth to Toronto’s rotation.
Lauer’s MLB Pedigree
Before his stint in the minors, Lauer enjoyed a solid run in the majors with the Padres and Brewers from 2018 to 2022. In 550 innings, he posted a 4.11 ERA and exhibited an above-average strikeout-to-walk ratio (22.1% K, 8.7% BB). However, injuries have limited Lauer to just 46 2/3 innings in 2023, with a 6.56 ERA.
Rotation Structure and Future Outlook
The Blue Jays recently employment a strategic four-man rotation plan which was disrupted by a rainout and subsequent doubleheader. With Monday off, Bowden Francis started against the Red Sox, and José BerrÃos was in line for a regular-rest start today. However, Lauer’s addition provides flexibility for the team’s pitching staff.
While Lauer is out of options and cannot be easily sent back to the minors, his future with the Blue Jays remains uncertain beyond today’s start. He could be bumped from the roster if Easton Lucas or Jake Bloss performs well in Buffalo, or he could hold a rotation spot for a few turns while Lucas and Bloss stay in the minors as depth.
Lawrence’s DFA History and Lauer’s Opt-out Clause
Lawrence, who heads into DFA limbo for the fourth time this year, could be claimed off waivers by another team. If Lauer is later designated for assignment and passed through waivers unclaimed, he would have the right to reject an outright assignment and elect free agency due to his previous career outright and three years of service time.
FAQ
- Why was Lawrence designated for assignment? To make room on the 40-man roster for Lauer.
- Will Lauer stay on the roster after today’s start? His future with the Blue Jays depends on his performance and the team’s pitching needs.
- What happens if Lauer is designated for assignment? He has the right to reject an outright assignment and elect free agency.
- Could Lawrence be claimed off waivers? Yes, he could be claimed by another team before clearing waivers.
Did you know?
Lauer was originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1st round (25th overall) of the 2013 MLB draft.
What’s Next for the Blue Jays?
With Lauer’s addition, the Blue Jays have bolstered their pitching staff with a veteran left-hander who provides experience and depth. While his future with the team remains uncertain, Lauer’s presence gives Toronto flexibility in their rotation. As the season progresses, the Blue Jays will continue to assess their pitching needs and make adjustments as necessary.
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