The Toronto Blue Jays have been unable to recapture the magic that won them the American League pennant last year. Ever since they were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers in extra innings of Game 7 in the World Series, the team has struggled with injuries and setback performances.
And one of the Blue Jays’ key players from last season, who was enduring a rough start this season, has suddenly enjoyed a resurgence by joining Toronto’s National League foe.
Former Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Enjoys Surge With Los Angeles Dodgers
After Eric Lauer saw his role with the Blue Jays changed to one of long relief, he publicly expressed his frustration and struggled on the mound. That led the team to designate him for assignment and then trade him to the Dodgers, who were clear that he probably wouldn’t be there for long/
“When the Dodgers acquired the 31-year-old left-hander earlier this year, plucking him off the DFA scrap heap in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, they told him early on that his stint might only be temporary; that he was a stopgap for a rotation that had endured a couple key early injuries,” Jack Harris wrote for the New York Post.
But, surprisingly enough, Lauer has become a successful starter for the Dodgers, who quickly moved him back to starting games after the Blue Jays’ demotion.
Toronto Blue Jays Former Pitcher Sends Los Angeles Dodgers Trade Message
But even with his newfound success, Lauer’s role could soon disappear through no fault of his own.
“And though Lauer has exceeded all expectations since then –– going 5-0 with a 2.96 ERA in nine Dodgers outings, all of which have also been Dodgers wins –– that need he was filling will soon be invalidated, with Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and (eventually) Shohei Ohtani all expected to rejoin the team’s rotation for the stretch run of the year,” Harris added. “That has meant, for a Dodgers team long inclined to selling excess players at the deadline in hopes of cashing on inflated midseason prices, Lauer has long looked like a potential trade candidate.”
Whether the Dodgers ultimately keep Lauer or move him before the deadline, his performance has dramatically changed the perception surrounding his career. And while he is no stranger to midseason transactions, Lauer sent a clear four-word message on how his family feels about the ongoing trade rumors.
“My wife hates it,” Lauer said, according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
The former Blue Jays castoff has gone from organizational depth to a valuable trade asset, and his comments suggested that, while he understands both the business side of baseball and the opportunity Los Angeles has provided, he’s still hoping to stay with the team that bested his Blue Jays in the World Series.
“No, I mean, it’s something that I was aware of coming over here that it might be like a rental thing,” Lauer added, per Ardaya. “See a need, fill a need kind of thing. But I mean, I love it here. I think I’m thriving here, as far as I can tell.”
After suddenly rediscovering his form with the National League juggernaut, it’s understandable that Lauer would prefer to stay in Los Angeles. But if he is moved, he’s sure to speak his mind about his role wherever he goes next.