Eric Lauer's Dodgers debut was frustrating, but reminded Blue Jays fans of departure

The Toronto Blue Jays and Eric Lauer needed to part ways. Lauer wasn't producing on the field and with every interview it seemed like he was becoming more and more of a clubhouse distraction. Between not telling his manager of a sore neck until he was spotted wearing tape on that part of his body while on the mound, to outwardly stating that he hated the way the Blue Jays were using him, it just felt inevitable that a split was coming.

On May 11, the Blue Jays designated Eric Lauer for assignment after he pitched to a 6.69 ERA in 36.1 innings pitched in eight games (six starts) with a 6.90 FIP and 1.48 WHIP. He was also walking batters at a 4.0 BB/9 rate while allowing 2.7 HR/9 as well. About a week later, he was traded to the LA Dodgers and of course in his first start with his new team, a team that has become a rival to the Blue Jays over the past few years, he pitched a very efficient and effective game.

LA, who beat the Blue Jays to a couple of high profile free agents over the last few offseasons including Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Tucker, not to mention defeating the Blue Jays in the World Series last year, got the best performance out of Lauer this season.

Lauer got his fist start for the Dodgers on Tuesday night and lasted six innings, while giving up just one earned run on four hits, while walking one and striking out four. While with the Blue Jays, Lauer got into the sixth inning just twice, but was never able to get through six innings. He also allowed less than three runs just three times, although one of those games was a start in which he was recovering from an illness and lasted only two innings, while giving up two earned runs in the process.

Lauer's post-game comments reminded Blue Jays fans why it's better he's in LA

And things would have been perfectly fine had that been it for Lauer. However, it was his post -game comments that reminded Blue Jays fans why it's probably a better situation that he's no longer in Toronto's club house. Lauer is currently in the rotation because Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell are on the injured list. He was asked by a reporter after the game if he was concerned about pitching well enough to stick around for as long as possible.

Lauer replied by laughing and said, "That's a weird question. The goal for me is is put together a bunch of good outings and go from there."

To be fair, there are probably a ton of Dodgers reporters who have very little knowledge of Lauer's season with the Blue Jays in 2025 in which he had a 3.18 ERA in 28 gams, including 15 starts. He essentially saved the Blue Jays in the middle of the season when their pitching depth was depleted due to injuries. Lauer came up big when he was called upon and then moved back into the bullpen when the rotation received some upgrades at the Trade Deadline.

Dodgers reporters probably only saw the fact that Lauer was acquired for cash considerations or a player to be named later and done as an emergency response to the Glasnow and Snell injuries. On paper, the 30-year-old Lauer seems like an expendable player for the Dodgers and so that's why the question was asked.

Had Lauer been able to put up these kinds of performances more regulary with the Blue Jays this season, the other antics may have been easier to overlook. But he's got a chance to get a clean slate with the Dodgers and Lauer should realize that quickly before he also starts annoying the Dodgers' brass as well.

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