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Lauer's 2026 Slump: Jays Pitching Depth Tested
5 May
Summary
- Eric Lauer's 2026 season performance has significantly declined.
- His ERA stands at 6.03 with a 1.50 WHIP for the season.
- Injuries pushed Lauer into a starting role he wasn't initially planned for.

Eric Lauer's 2026 season with the Toronto Blue Jays has taken a sharp downturn, raising concerns for the team. After an unexpected breakout in 2025, Lauer has struggled significantly this year, failing to replicate his previous success. His current ERA sits at a concerning 6.03, accompanied by a 1.50 WHIP, indicating persistent struggles on the mound.
In a recent game on Monday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, Lauer pitched 4.1 innings, surrendering three earned runs and striking out only two batters. This performance occurred despite the Blue Jays allowing him to start the game, a role he had previously expressed reluctance to fill if not starting from the beginning. The team's pitching depth has been severely tested due to numerous injuries to key pitchers, including Shane Bieber and Jose Berrios, which necessitated Lauer's move into the starting rotation.