The Los Angeles Dodgers lineup today against the Colorado Rockies will include former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer making his team debut after coming over in an early-season trade.
The Blue Jays designated Lauer for assignment midway through May. The club then swung a deal with the Dodgers, sending the lefty across the country for cash considerations. The initial plan for Lauer in Los Angeles was a swingman gig, but injuries to the pitching staff will force him into the rotation.
Lauer scuffled to a 6.69 ERA in 36.1 innings with Toronto this year. After grumbling about his role during the offseason, he was handed a rotation spot to start the season. The Blue Jays opened the campaign missing several starting pitchers.
The Dodgers were familiar with Lauer after his stellar work in the 2025 World Series. The lefty tossed 5.2 scoreless innings in the series, permitting just two hits.
Los Angeles Dodgers Lineup Today: Eric Lauer to Make Team Debut
Lauer came out of the bullpen in Game 3 of the World Series. He kept the Dodgers from scoring for nearly 5 frames during the 18-inning marathon. Left-hander Brendon Little replaced Lauer and gave up the game-winning home run to first baseman Freddie Freeman.
The veteran Lauer compiled a 3.12 ERA during Toronto’s run to the Fall Classic. He closed the postseason with four consecutive scoreless outings. Lauer was just as productive in the regular season with the Blue Jays. He threw 104.2 innings with a 3.18 ERA and nearly a strikeout per inning. The lefty made 15 starts and appeared 13 times as a reliever. The flexibility is what ultimately led the Dodgers to take a chance on Lauer, despite his struggles in 2026.
Lauer will be pitching for his fourth team in his eight-year big-league career. He got his start with the San Diego Padres back in 2018. He was shipped to the Milwaukee Brewers as part of a multi-player trade heading into the 2020 season. Lauer served as a regular member of the Milwaukee rotation through 2022. He was limited to just 10 appearances in 2023. Lauer went to Korea for the 2024 campaign. He was able to rebuild his value and return to MLB action last season.
How Will the Dodgers Handle Injuries in the Starting Rotation?
Los Angeles has dealt with several pitching injuries this season. Tyler Glasnow is currently dealing with back spasms. Blake Snell underwent elbow surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. Landon Knack and Gavin Stone are down with injuries suffered in the spring. The bullpen is also dealing with multiple losses. The most notable absence is closer Edwin Diaz, who made just seven appearances after signing a massive three-year, $69 million deal. Ben Casparius, Jack Dreyer, Brusdar Graterol, and Brock Stewart have been sidelined with various maladies.
Adding Lauer to the mix will get the Dodgers back to a six-man rotation. Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani headline the group, followed by Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski, and Roki Sasaki. The team typically operates with a six-man look to provide extra rest for Ohtani, a two-way star. Lauer likely slots into the No. 6 spot until Glasnow returns from the injured list.
Dodgers to Start Former World Series Foe Against Rockies