Blue Jays put Addison Barger on injured list and designate Eric Lauer for assignment

The Toronto Blue Jays returned outfielder Addison Barger to the injured list on Monday due to right elbow inflammation, a setback after he was activated just days earlier. The team also designated left-handed pitcher Eric Lauer for assignment, clearing a spot on the roster. Toronto recalled outfielder Yohendrick Piñango from Triple-A Buffalo and promoted right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodríguez to the major-league roster ahead of a three-game series against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays. Barger, 26, had been struggling offensively this season, posting just 1 hit in 22 at-bats before his latest injury. He had a breakout postseason in 2025, hitting .367 with three homers and nine RBIs in 17 games, including a Game 1 pinch-hit grand slam in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, his regular season performance dropped, with a .243 average, 21 homers, and 74 RBIs in 135 games. Lauer, 30, had a disappointing start to 2026, with a 6.69 ERA in eight appearances, including six starts. His performance contrasts with his 2025 season, when he went 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA. The move clears space for Rodríguez, who posted a 2.63 ERA in 11 Triple-A appearances this season after a 3-2, 3.08 ERA campaign with Toronto in 2025. Piñango, 24, has shown limited offensive impact since joining the Blue Jays, with 11 hits in 26 at-bats and no homers this season. He had more success in Buffalo, where he hit .288 with three homers and 13 RBIs in 22 games. The roster adjustments come as Toronto prepares for a critical series against the division-leading Rays, aiming to regain momentum after recent struggles.