Blue Jays DFA malcontent pitcher Eric Lauer, place Addison Barger back on IL in big roster shake-up

Malcontent pitcher Eric Lauer was designated for assignment by Toronto on Monday as outfielder Addison Barger was placed on IL.

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Published May 11, 2026  •  2 minute read

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer throws against the Los Angeles Angels during Sunday's game. The Canadian Press

The volatility that has ruled the Blue Jays roster for much of this uneven season has struck once again on Monday — and has done so with a couple of blockbuster moves from the 18-22 team.

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For one, struggling and disgruntled starting pitcher Eric Lauer has been designated for assignment after yet another rough outing in Sunday’s 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

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And after just two games back from an ankle injury, outfielder Addison Barger has returned to the injury list with an elbow ailment — likely from that spectacular 101.2 mph throw he made from the outfield on Saturday.

The moves were announced prior to Monday’s opener of a three-game series against the American League East-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

Lauer, so central to the Jays’ regular-season success last year, has fallen out of favour in dramatic fashion in 2026. It began when he took the team to salary arbitration in the off-season, lost his case and then griped about it during spring training.

What happened to Eric Lauer?

After suffering from the flu in the early going, Lauer struggled to match the form he had last year and his troubles escalated. The next point of contention came when he expressed his displeasure with having to follow an opener during a game last month. It was not a move that sat well with the team.

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The Jays had their reasons for that assignment, of course, not completely trusting Lauer’s ability to get the job done. Manager John Schneider put the pitcher in his place immediately, essentially telling Lauer to do his job and the team would decide what role that would be.

The bottom line was just as bad — or worse — for Lauer. His velocity had dipped, muting his effectiveness and he had difficulty keeping the baseball in the park with opposing hitters. With a 1-5 record, his ERA has ballooned to 6.69. The 11 homers he allowed in eight games spoke volumes.

With Barger, meanwhile, it was hoped that his return to the lineup would provide a much needed boost in power. Instead, he will have to return to nurse that elbow back to shape. Removed from the starting lineup on Sunday, the outfielder had an MRI which led to Monday’s decision.

To take Lauer’s spot on the roster, the Jays have recalled right-hander Yariel Rodriguez from triple-A Buffalo.Taking Barger’s spot is outfielder Yohendrick Pinango.

Both players were active for Monday’s game and Pinango was in the starting lineup, hitting second and playing in left field.

More to come …

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