Monday Bantering: Lauer, Barger
Apr 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E.
Sokolowski-Imagn Images Yariel Rodriguez will be with the team for tonight’s game. The team had an open spot on the 40-man roster, but there is no word on how they will free up a spot on the active roster. Rodriguez has thrown 13.
2 innings, with 9 walks, 25 strikeouts and 7 hits, with a 2. 63 ERA. I’m guessing that Eric Lauer will either go on the IL (he is throwing a couple of miles per hour lower than last year, the excuse might be to find out if there is a physical reason for that) or they DFA him and put him on waivers.
If a team picked him up, they would owe him about $3. 1 million, which isn’t all that much for a guy who had a 3. 18 ERA last year.
Or other teams could wait to see if he elects free agency after the waiver period. Batters are hitting . 264/.