The Toronto Blue Jays last faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in a series last month and lost that set in a harsh reminder of the latest World Series, which reached extra innings in Game 7 before the reigning champions took the title away from the Blue Jays.
And, given that history, it was a surprise to see the two teams collaborate on a transaction that might have shored up one of the Dodgers’ biggest weaknesses.
“After a series of hits to their starting and relief pitching, the Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired left-hander Eric Lauer from the Toronto Blue Jays,” The Athletic’s Katie Woo reported last week. “The move is intended to help boost the Dodgers’ pitching depth.”
Toronto Blue Jays’ Former Pitcher Eric Lauer Voiced Frustration With Role Before Trade
Lauer enjoyed a great season last year, posting a 3.18 ERA in a valuable swingman role and then logging more than five shutout World Series innings against the Dodgers. So it was easy to imagine how the acquisition could help the National League juggernaut win it all for a third straight season.
But the Blue Jays might have reason to feel that cutting ties with Lauer was a win-win, even if it helps the defending champions in the midst of their depth concerns. For one thing, he has a brutal 6.69 ERA in 36 and one-third innings so far this season and he leads the American League in home runs given up. But Lauer also has not been shy about voicing his displeasure with the Blue Jays’ management decisions, making it clear that he’s disgruntled about the team’s refusal to make him exclusively a starter.
“To be real blunt, I hate it,” Lauer said of his role as an opener earlier this season, according to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon. “I can’t stand it. But you work with what you got.”
And Lauer was similarly outspoken after he lost his arbitration hearing with the team in the offseason.
Los Angeles Dodgers Reveal Plan For Former Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher After Trade
But, following the trade, any future grievances would have to be filed with his new team. And it seems he will be playing a similar role for the Dodgers, at least initially.
“Dave Roberts expects Eric Lauer to join the Dodgers in San Diego,” MLB.com’s Sonja Chen reported on X, formerly Twitter. “He’ll be a length option in the ‘pen for now.”
But the expectation is that Lauer will then slot into the rotation’s sixth spot.
“Also, expect Eric Lauer to slot into the starting rotation after this road trip,” Woo reported on Monday. “Dodgers want to keep the six-man rotation as they attempt to maximize recovery for their starters.”
