The Toronto Blue Jays are making some changes to their roster.
It was reported Sunday night that Toronto was set to call up Yariel Rodriguez from Triple-A, but the corresponding move wasn’t revealed. Now, ahead of the Blue Jays’ series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto made a pair of roster moves.
- OF Yohendrick Piñango recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight
- RHP Yariel Rodríguez selected to the Major League roster and will be active tonight
- INF/OF Addison Barger (right elbow inflammation) placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to May 10
- LHP Eric Lauer designated for assignment
The big news is the fact that the Blue Jays have DFA’d Lauer, who was a key part of Toronto’s roster in 2025. However, the left-hander has struggled mightily this season, and after a disastrous outing on Sunday, Toronto opted to DFA him.
Lauer is 1-5 with a 6.69 ERA and allowed 6 runs in 5 innings against the Angels on Sunday. He made his MLB debut in 2018 with the San Diego Padres and has spent parts of eight seasons in the MLB. He’s also pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Blue Jays.
Rodriguez, meanwhile, was DFA’d this offseason as he struggled down the stretch and in the playoffs. He’s pitched well in Triple-A and will now get another crack at the Blue Jays bullpen.
Lauer Had Frustrations With Blue Jays
The ending to Lauer’s tenure with Toronto wasn’t a positive one.
Lauer was moved to the bullpen in the second-half of last year, after the team acquired Shane Bieber. He ended up losing his arbitration case, which he blamed on getting moved to the bullpen.
“The fact that I ended last year in the bullpen was probably what lost me my (arbitration) case,” Lauer said.
Lauer was then looking to earn a spot in the rotation in camp, which he did due to injuries to Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, and Bieber. However, he struggled, and Toronto used an opener before Lauer, which he wasn’t thrilled about.
“It’s definitely different. To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it,” Lauer said in mid-April. “You work with what you got. Part of it, too, we’re trying to mix some things up. We’re trying to find ways to win, so I think it’s a game plan we had, and I think we went out there and tried to execute the best we could. That’s really all you can do. …
“It messes with your pre-game routine. We’re creatures of habit. It changes the rhythm and routine. It’s a little harder to time things out… You can make it work the best you can. Hopefully, it’s not something that we will continue doing. But that’s above my pay grade.”
The Blue Jays weren’t happy with Lauer’s comments in the public, and John Schneider said he’ll just do whatever he feels is best to win.
Barger Back to IL
The other roster move was Addison Barger going back on the 10-day IL with right elbow inflammation.
Barger returned to the lineup off the IL for one game, but he hurt his elbow in the game and is now back on the IL. Toronto, meanwhile, recalled Yohendrick Pinango, who was optioned when Barger was activated.
Pinango made an impact in his short stint with the Blue Jays as he hit .423 with 4 RBIs in 26 at-bats.
Barger, meanwhile, is hitting .045 with 2 RBIs as he has 2 hits in 22 at-bats.
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