Dodgers Ready for Shohei Ohtani's Return, Move 7-1 Starter to Bullpen
As Dodgers welcome at least one — possibly two — starters back to their rotation, a veteran with a 3.76 ERA moves to the bullpen.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to move Eric Lauer from their starting rotation to the bullpen as right-handed pitcher Tyler Glasnow is activated from the injured list. This decision, despite Lauer's impressive 7-1 record since joining the team in a May trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, is due to the potential roster changes that may be required.
Lauer, a seasoned left-hander, provides manager Dave Roberts with a multi-inning option from the bullpen while Glasnow recovers. Ohtani, who may not require a pre-game warm-up before returning, could also benefit from Lauer's presence. Following a rehab stint, Ohtani plans to throw a bullpen session during the Dodgers' road trip, after which the team will determine if he needs further live hitting practice before appearing in a game.
This could see Ohtani return to the rotation after the Dodgers' three-game series against the Tigers in Detroit, leaving Lauer in a role that should be familiar. During his tenure with the Blue Jays, Lauer primarily worked out of the rotation from May to August before becoming a reliever in September, maintaining a 2.76 ERA through his penultimate start.
When pitching for the defending champions, Lauer was instrumental in Toronto's 2025 American League pennant run, allowing no runs in his final 8.2 postseason innings, including a 5.2 scoreless performance against the Dodgers in the World Series. The Dodgers aspire to become the first team since the 2000 New York Yankees to achieve a third consecutive World Series victory.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
