The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for a fifth starter.
Toronto’s rotation has been plagued by injuries as Shane Bieber and Jose Berrios have yet to make an MLB start this season. Max Scherzer, meanwhile, is on the IL, while Trey Yesavage just returned from the IL.
Due to the injuries, Eric Lauer was put in the rotation, while the Blue Jays also signed Patrick Corbin. Lauer, however, has struggled and was DFA’d on Monday, leaving an opening in the rotation.
With the Blue Jays looking for another starter, Blue Jays analyst Mitch Bannon believes Toronto could look to sign Chris Paddack.
“Wouldn’t expect a massive move from the Blue Jays, if they do go outside the org. Bigtime SPs just aren’t often moved in early May. One name to consider is Chris Paddack, recently released by the Marlins. ERA this year isn’t good (7.63), but he’s stretched out and throws strikes,” Bannon wrote on X.
The Miami Marlins just released Paddack as he struggled this season, but he could come in and eat some innings until Bieber is back.
Paddack is an eight-year MLB veteran who could sign for the minimum, so it would be a low-risk move, as Toronto could easily DFA him if he struggles.
Paddack is 0-5 with a 7.63 ERA in 7 starts this season. But, in his MLB career, he’s 32-41 with a 4.79 ERA in 125 games, including 116 starts.
Blue Jays Manager Explains Decision to DFA Lauer
Lauer was an impact pitcher for Toronto in 2025, but he struggled mightily this season.
The left-hander was hit hard in his starts this season, as Toronto was forced to use an opener before him. After the Blue Jays DFA’d Lauer, manager John Schneider said it was a difficult but necessary decision.
“John Schneider said decision to DFA Eric Lauer driven by ‘results’ and added it was a ‘tough conversation based on what he did last year.’ Ultimately, Blue Jays ‘felt we needed to go in a different direction,’” Blue Jays reporter Shi Davidi wrote on X.
Schneider also confirmed the Blue Jays are checking some external options to fill the pitching need.
“Spencer Miles could be part of filling in, but toll of workload on him given his lack of volume is being weighed. Schneider mentioned Chad Dallas and CJ Van Eyk as internal possibilities. Bullpen days possible but not ideal. Blue Jays also checking external options,” Davidi added.
Regardless of what the Blue Jays do, they need better pitching ASAP to get back into playoff contention.
Spencer Miles Making Good of Opportunity
One pitcher who has stepped up for the Blue Jays is Rule 5 draft pick Spencer Miles.
Miles hadn’t pitched above A ball before this season, but he’s been an effective multi-inning reliever out of the bullpen.
The rookie, meanwhile, said he’s fine starting games as he did on Sunday, as he just wants to do whatever it takes to win.
“I’m totally capable,” Miles said. “I’m just here to do whatever they ask, I’m a Blue Jay.”
Miles is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 12 games, including 1 start over 21 innings.
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