Eric Lauer Lands on IL, Further Thinning Dodgers’ Rotation Depth

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer on the injured list on Wednesday due to left elbow inflammation. Lauer's performance had been inconsistent, allowing seven runs in just three innings during the Dodgers' recent loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Before this outing, Lauer had a 4.50 ERA, and he surrendered a solo home run in his last appearance.

Previously, Lauer's last start was against the Colorado Rockies on August 18, where he allowed four earned runs in a win. The Dodgers acquired Lauer early in the season when they claimed him off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays following Tyler Glasnow's back injury. Lauer had been a crucial late-rotation arm for the Dodgers, but his role diminished as several other starters were sidelined with injuries.

Starting pitchers Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki are still on the injured list, while Justin Wrobleski recently returned after two weeks recuperating from forearm tightness. The Dodgers had anticipated this possibility, as it has been a recurring issue for them in recent seasons. Options to replace Lauer include Justin Wrobleski, who was recently cleared to return to the rotation, and minor league pitchers Gavin Stone and Emmet Sheehan, who are both working their way back from shoulder injuries.

The Dodgers did not have to finalize this decision just yet, as they temporarily filled the spot with Blake Treinen, who has not pitched since June due to an elbow injury.