AL East: Sticking out like a sore thumb

Toronto Blue Jays

The emergence of Eric Lauer has played a key role in the first-place Blue Jays’ surge in the standings. Lauer, who began the year in Triple-A after signing a minor league deal in the offseason, has thrived since joining the Jays’ pitching staff in late April (51 IP, 2.65 ERA, 17.7 K-BB%). Since Bowden Francis landed on the IL in mid-June, Lauer’s usage has shifted from a combination of starts and long-relief appearances to a true starter workload, and he has continued to thrive (4 GS, 20.2 IP, 3.05 ERA, 21.2 K-BB%).

With Lauer seemingly set in the rotation for now, the biggest question concerning Toronto’s rotation is the health of Max Scherzer. After a nearly three-month-long absence for right thumb...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Chandler Simpson's wheels were slowed during the speedster's lengthy stolen base drought, but he's now showing signs of breaking past his slump and helping his case to stick in Tampa Bay's lineup. Plus, more from around the AL East.
Jul 7 2026 3:05am
As the Mets shake things up, new opportunities for playing time will reveal themselves. Plus: 1B in WAS; SS in ATL; SP in MIA; Nola in PHI; more.
Jul 6 2026 9:00am
This week, we take a close look at Kyle Karros's impressive June, check in on a catching prospect in San Fran, and welcome back a few old friends.
Jul 4 2026 3:06am
Josh Lowe has returned from AAA and appears to be ready to take over the CF job in Anaheim.
Jul 1 2026 3:07am

Tools