The Toronto Blue Jays’ turbulent 2026 campaign took another hit on Monday as the club made two significant roster moves involving key contributors from last year’s American League pennant-winning squad. Addison Barger, a crucial bat in the lineup, landed back on the injured list with a right elbow issue just one game after being activated from an ankle injury. Meanwhile, swingman Eric Lauer, who emerged as a rotation savior in 2025, was designated for assignment following a sluggish start to the season.
Barger hurt his elbow during Saturday’s win over the Los Angeles Angels when he unleashed a 101.2 mph throw from the outfield. Manager John Schneider confirmed there is no structural damage, and the third baseman will receive a cortisone shot. The team hopes the IL stint will be brief. Outfielder Yohendrick Piñango was called up to take his spot on the active roster.
The Blue Jays had hoped Barger would provide a much-needed power boost to an offense that has struggled to generate home runs. But he lasted only nine innings during his return from a month-long absence, contributing a run, two walks, and the memorable outfield assist in Toronto’s 14-1 victory.
On the pitching side, Lauer was designated for assignment after allowing six earned runs over five relief innings against the Angels on Sunday. That outing pushed his season ERA to 6.69 and handed him an AL-leading fifth loss. Toronto recalled Yariel Rodríguez from Triple-A Buffalo to replace Lauer. Rodríguez can provide multi-inning relief, but the team’s plan for the fifth rotation spot remains uncertain.
Lauer was a surprise stabilizer for the staff last year, tossing 104 2/3 innings with a 3.18 ERA. However, his 2026 form has been a stark contrast. He struck out nine batters in his first start but soon lost velocity and effectiveness due to an early-season illness. Although his health improved in recent weeks, he managed only one win over his last seven appearances.
Following a loss in arbitration during the offseason, Lauer publicly expressed his desire to start. When Blue Jays starters began falling to injury, he got that chance. But inconsistent velocity and diminished stuff cost him the role. Schneider said the decision to designate him was based purely on results.
“Tough conversation because of what he did last year,” Schneider said. “I know it was kind of back and forth with him this year, bullpen and starting. Just felt like we needed to go in a different direction.”
With José Berríos scheduled to visit an elbow surgeon on Tuesday, Cody Ponce out for the season, Shane Bieber still weeks away from returning, and Max Scherzer facing forearm uncertainty, the Blue Jays could have used a string of strong outings from Lauer. Instead, they must now search for alternative solutions elsewhere. Last year’s heroics simply cannot carry over.
One possible option is Spencer Miles, Toronto’s Rule 5 draft pick, who tossed three clean innings as Sunday’s starter before Lauer took over. Miles entered the organization as a starter, has shown multi-inning ability this season, and owns a 3.00 ERA. While he lacks a long track record of durability, the Blue Jays could continue stretching him out and pair him with Rodríguez or other relievers for bullpen games. Minor-league arms like CJ Van Eyk or Chad Dallas could also receive consideration.