Blue Jays Starting Rotation Easily Welcomes Back Familiar Face

Max Scherzer and Cody Ponce are in the rotation. Dylan Cease will start the second game. But, with the injuries, Toronto can now employ a starter who was moved into the pen midway through 2025 due to no fault of his own.

Eric Lauer went from starter to reliever simply because the relief staff was the Achilles heel of the 2025 Blue Jays. Now, he could move back to his original role.

With a pair of injuries to two crucial pitchers and uncertainties surrounding Ponce, who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021, Lauer easily got the nod to step back into the rotation as the Jays look to take the American League Pennant again and redeem themselves in the World Series.

Lauer in 2025

Until the end of August, Lauer was a primary starter. Then he bounced between starting and relief, so he's used to the change. By the time the season came to a close, he made 15 starts in his 28 appearances, where he went 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA and 102 strikeouts in nearly the same number of innings pitched.

In June and July, when Toronto was in need of a massive turnaround as they sat under .500, Lauer was exceptional. He went 5-1 with a 2.64 ERA, 55 strikeouts, a 0.94 WHIP, while holding opponents to a .201 batting average.

If the Blue Jays can count on anyone to step into the middle of the rotation and perform, it is Lauer. Manager John Schneider knows what he will get with him, and can count on him to hold the fort down while his stars get back to the mound.

The Jays' starting rotation can absolutely not take hits anymore. Luckily, they can turn back to Lauer while both Berrios and Yesavage rehab their injuries.