Blue Jays’ Disgruntled Castoff Gets Update On Dodgers Role After Trade

BusinessSportsMoneyBlue Jays’ Disgruntled Castoff Gets Update On Dodgers Role After TradeByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorMay 18, 2026, 09:00pm EDTBALTIMORE, 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)Getty ImagesThe 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.”ForbesCubs’ Former Southpaw Suddenly Ends Career At Age 26, Shortly After CutBy Peter ChawagaToronto Blue Jays’ Former Pitcher Eric Lauer Voiced Frustration With Role Before TradeLauer 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 hom...