Blue Jays Place Barger on IL, Designate Lauer for Assignment
The Toronto Blue Jays have placed outfielder Addison Barger on the 10-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation, just two days after his return from an ankle injury. An MRI confirmed inflammation without structural damage, and Barger received a cortisone shot with hopes for a minimum stint. To fill roster spots, the team recalled Yohendrick Piñango from Triple-A and selected pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. Concurrently, left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer was designated for assignment following a difficult start to the 2026 season, marked by a 6.69 ERA and recent poor performance against the Angels. This move ends Lauer's tenure after a strong 2025 playoff contribution. With José Berríos also sidelined for elbow examinations, the Blue Jays face ongoing challenges in stabilizing their fifth rotation spot. Manager John Schneider indicated the team is evaluating internal options like Spencer Miles and exploring potential trades to bolster pitching depth. These transactions occur as Toronto begins a home series against the Tampa Bay Rays, highlighting the club's struggle with key player injuries throughout the season.
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Blue Jays Place Barger on IL, Designate Lauer for Assignment
The Toronto Blue Jays have placed outfielder Addison Barger on the 10-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation, just two days after his return from an ankle injury. An MRI confirmed inflammation without structural damage, and Barger received a cortisone shot with hopes for a minimum stint. To fill roster spots, the team recalled Yohendrick Piñango from Triple-A and selected pitcher Yariel Rodríguez. Concurrently, left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer was designated for assignment following a difficult start to the 2026 season, marked by a 6.69 ERA and recent poor performance against the Angels. This move ends Lauer's tenure after a strong 2025 playoff contribution. With José Berríos also sidelined for elbow examinations, the Blue Jays face ongoing challenges in stabilizing their fifth rotation spot. Manager John Schneider indicated the team is evaluating internal options like Spencer Miles and exploring potential trades to bolster pitching depth. These transactions occur as Toronto begins a home series against the Tampa Bay Rays, highlighting the club's struggle with key player injuries throughout the season.
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