Blue Jays Designate Eric Lauer for Assignment, Call Up Yariel Rodríguez and Sign Jack Nedrow
Toronto designated Eric Lauer for assignment after his latest poor outing pushed his ERA to 6.69 and gave him the American League lead with five losses. The club called up Yariel Rodríguez from Triple-A Buffalo while continuing to manage multiple pitching injuries and absences. In a separate move, Toronto signed right-handed pitcher Jack Nedrow to bolster depth at Single-A Dunedin.
sportsnet.caThe Toronto Blue Jays designated Eric Lauer for assignment on or before May 12, 2026, after the left-hander allowed six runs in five relief innings against the Angels on Sunday. 69 and gave him the AL-leading fifth loss of the season. Mitch Bannon wrote for The Athletic that the Blue Jays called up Yariel Rodríguez from Triple-A Buffalo to replace Lauer, noting that Rodríguez can provide multi-inning relief.
Even as the Blue Jays navigate their series with the Tampa Bay Rays as of May 12, 2026, their injury issues continue to mount. Addison Barger was placed on the injured list with an elbow problem after playing in a single game following an ankle issue. The team has also lost Cody Ponce for the season.
Several key pitchers have yet to contribute. Shane Bieber has yet to make his debut for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2026. Max Scherzer is dealing with a forearm injury for the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Toronto Blue Jays' current rotation includes Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Patrick Corbin. With limited starting pitching depth available from the minors, the club could turn to options such as CJ Van Eyk or Chad Dallas for the fifth spot or survey external candidates.
Forbes reported that the Blue Jays are looking to upset one of the best teams in the American League amid these challenges.
In a separate transaction aimed at rebuilding organizational depth, the Toronto Blue Jays signed right-handed pitcher Jack Nedrow. Jack Nedrow will join the Toronto Blue Jays' Single-A affiliate, the Dunedin Blue Jays. 2 innings.
Jack Nedrow pitched for the York Revolution of the Atlantic League and earned the opportunity to sign with the Blue Jays after three starts. 75 ERA across 72 total innings while at the University of South Florida. Jack Nedrow played at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, for three seasons before playing at South Florida.
Forbes reported the developments in an article published on May 12, 2026, at 07:00am EDT by author Peter Chawaga. The piece highlighted how the Blue Jays organization is suddenly in need of healthy pitchers at all levels following the latest moves.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-05-11
Eric Lauer allows six runs in five relief innings against the Angels, records AL-leading fifth loss and sees ERA rise to 6.69
2 sourcesMitch Bannon · Forbes - 2026-05-12
Toronto Blue Jays designate Eric Lauer for assignment and call up Yariel Rodríguez from Triple-A Buffalo
3 sourcesForbes · Mitch Bannon · unattributed - 2026-05-12
Forbes publishes article detailing Blue Jays pitching depth issues and signing of Jack Nedrow at 07:00am EDT
1 sourceForbes - 2025
Jack Nedrow posts 3.75 ERA in 72 innings at University of South Florida
1 sourceUniversity of South Florida - 2026
Addison Barger returns from ankle issue, plays one game then placed on IL with elbow problem; Cody Ponce lost for season; Bieber, Berrios yet to debut; Scherzer deals with forearm injury
1 sourceForbes
Potential Impact
- 01
Yariel Rodríguez call-up adds multi-inning relief capability but does not directly solve starting pitching shortage
- 02
Blue Jays must identify replacement for fifth rotation spot with limited minor-league starting options available
- 03
Ongoing injuries to key arms including Scherzer, absence of Bieber and Berrios test Toronto's ability to compete in series against Tampa Bay Rays
- 04
Addition of Jack Nedrow provides depth at Single-A level for an organization stretched thin by injuries across pitching staff
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