Toronto Blue Jays fans want this struggling pitcher off the team

The 2026 season has not been kind to the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays have struggled due to a variety of reasons through their first 40 games of the season, and have a disappointing 18-22 record to show for it. 

Injuries and regression have played a part, and that brings us to Eric Lauer.

After being signed to a minor-league contract ahead of the 2025 season, Lauer pitched 104.2 innings for the Blue Jays, which included 15 starts. He was nothing short of spectacular with a 3.18 ERA.

Despite his success, he was demoted to the bullpen late in the season, and that's when things started to shift.

It all began in February after Lauer lost his salary arbitration hearing. The 30-year-old expressed disappointment in the matter, suggesting that being moved to the bullpen resulted in him losing the case.

Those comments raised some eyebrows, and put more of a spotlight on Lauer during his struggles this season. Through six starts and 36.1 innings this season, Lauer sports an ugly 6.69 ERA, and has seemingly lost all the support he had from the fan base in 2025.

Eric “I’m a starter” Lauer: pic.twitter.com/bAx8VxpwS7

— A 19 Year Old On Twit (@YearOldOnTwit) May 10, 2026

Not helping Lauer's case is the fact that earlier this season, he once again went public with his frustration, seemingly calling out manager John Schneider for electing to go with an opening pitcher for him rather than giving the ball to him right from the get-go.

"It's definitely different. To be real blunt, I hate it. I can't stand it," Lauer said following a loss on Apr. 18 to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Lauer's struggles have gotten even worse since those comments, including his showing on Sunday against the LA Angels, where he allowed six runs on five hits across five innings. The Blue Jays lost by a 6-1 final, and fans were quick to let Lauer know how they felt.

DFA ERIC LAUER TONIGHT!!!

— Sophie (@SophieShipton_) May 10, 2026

"Get Eric Lauer off my team," one fan wrote on X. "How bad does it have to get? He is batting practice level. Enough!"

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays made the decision to call right-hander Yariel Rodriguez up on Sunday afternoon. We still don't know who will be removed from the roster to make room for him, though it's quite clear who the vast majority of the fan base is hoping for.

"This will be Lauer’s exit," one fan responded to the news regarding Rodriguez. "I respect what he did last year but that somehow translated to him thinking that he is a front line starter. Lost his arbitration, sub par outings, complained openly about his role, cagey with management about neck issues and overall unprofessional demeanour."

One of the biggest things keeping Lauer on the roster to this point is that the Blue Jays are a banged-up bunch. Starting pitchers Cody Ponce and Bowden Francis are sidelined for the season, while Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios are all on the IL. 

Though Lauer's spot with the Jays could be safe in the immediate future, he could very well find himself off the roster once others start getting healthier.