Dodgers Demote Pitcher to Make Room for Eric Lauer

The Los Angeles Dodgers have formally added Eric Lauer to the active roster after clearing out a spot by optioning right-hander Wyatt Mills. On Monday, before the start of the series against the Padres, it was announced that the Dodgers had agreed to a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays to acquire Lauer, who had a strong 2025 season and was DFA’d by Los Angeles’ former World Series foe. The Dodgers only gave up cash considerations for the deal because Lauer was on waivers, but now that the deal has been processed, the team is putting Lauer straight on the active roster.

After losing Blake Snell for a month and change , along with Tyler Glasnow missing a good deal of action, the Dodgers looked around for someone capable of eating innings and settled on Lauer. May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Wyatt Mills (58) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Mills is the casualty of the Lauer move.

He struggled mightily, pitching in eight games and allowing an 8. 10 ERA. The righty relies on deception from his side-arm release that can catch hitters off balance.

However, he has been poor in the majors throughout his career, with a 6. 35 ERA in 42 total appearances. His stuff is lackluster, to say the least, with one strikeout in his time with the Dodgers, though seven walks and three hits allowed.