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Newly added pitcher Eric Lauer is the Los Angeles Dodgers’ response to their recent run of injuries, but there are questions about his willingness to be flexible.
Lauer arrived via trade from the Toronto Blue Jays, whom the Dodgers faced in the 2025 postseason. Toronto designated Lauer for assignment, and the Dodgers responded by sending out cash considerations.
The lefty has been really bad in 2026, enough so that his former team cut bait rather than let him ride out his troubles, which he has been prone to in his career.
Instead, they put him on waivers and allowed him to go to a possible World Series opponent. The Dodgers are hoping to turn another man’s trash into treasure, like they have done time and time again.
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May 10, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) has a discussion with pitching coach Pete Walker (40) against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
His tumultuous time with the Blue Jays had more to do than just what happened on the field.
Lauer’s tricky time in Toronto
Lauer entered arbitration after the 2025 season, hoping to get a $5.75 million salary for 2026, but the arbitration judge ruled that he would receive only $4.4 million.
The hurler said his time in the bullpen cost him the raise, which would have been more than $1 million, expressing a clear desire to be a regular starter rather than serve as a swingman who moves between the rotation and the bullpen.
During the season, the Blue Jays used Lauer as an opener after he struggled as a regular starter, prompting a set of viral comments that were seen as a dig at the organization.
“It’s definitely different,” Lauer said. “To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it. But you work with what you got.”
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May 10, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
A new chapter in Los Angeles
During his introductory media scrum, Lauer was asked about his willingness to move to the bullpen for the Dodgers if needed, which prompted a reference to his previous comments.
He clarified that his comments were “taken out of context” and that he spoke with Blue Jays manager John Schneider and pitching coach Pete Walker about his comments to clarify things and make it clear that they were not meant how they were perceived.
“There was no ill will there, there was no hurt feelings,” Lauer said.
“It was a very simple question, I thought, ‘How do you feel about an opener?’ I think if you ask most starters in the league, they would probably have the same response: that they don’t like it.
“But it doesn’t mean that I’m not willing to do it. It doesn’t mean that I’m not a team player. I’m not gonna have a problem if there is somebody in front of me. It’s part of the game, it’s become part of the game, and we’re all here to win ball games.”
The Dodgers are expected to utilize Lauer as a starter for now, as Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell are injured.
Once they return, though, the Dodgers will have a great rotation already in place, and the team will likely need Lauer to move into the bullpen.
His willingness to enter a reliever role will be tested as the team gets healthier, and his earlier comments could resurface if he expresses any issues with his role.
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