Why Dodgers Believe in Eric Lauer Despite Recent Struggles
· Yahoo Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Eric Lauer is making his debut for the team on Tuesday, May 26, against the Colorado Rockies, marking the start of what Lauer hopes to be a new chapter.
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Lauer came via trade from the Toronto Blue Jays, who designated him for assignment after a terrible start to the season.
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He posted a 6.69 ERA over 36.1 innings, with a truly horrendous analytical outlook. Lauer had a 5th percentile fastball velocity, 17th percentile whiff rate, ninth percentile xERA, and 16th percentile xBA.
Additionally, his FIP of 6.90 pointed to fielding luck, meaning his ERA could have been even higher.
Oct 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Eric Lauer (56) reacts in the thirteenth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game three of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesIn just eight games, he racked up a -0.6 fWAR, proving to be one of the worst starting pitchers in baseball.
Eric Lauer’s inconsistency
Seemingly, for every solid season that Lauer has, there is a rough one that follows him. Back in 2021 and 2022, he had two above-replacement-level seasons with solid, innings-eating production.
However, 2023 was a disaster over his first 10 games with a 5.56 ERA and -0.9 fWAR. Sound familiar? It was so bad that Lauer went to the KBO, where he bounced back to some extent, posting a 4.02 FIP and 4.93 ERA.
It was enough for the Blue Jays to sign him on a one-year deal, and he flourished, looking like his early 2020’s self. He posted a 3.18 ERA in 104.2 innings with a 1.4 fWAR.
The question for Lauer is what caused the southpaw’s familiar decline.
May 10, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn ImagesIs a Lauer turnaround possible?
The biggest changes on paper for Lauer from his good and bad seasons are a dip in velocity. He went from 93.3 mph on his fastball in 2022 to 91.2 mph in 2023.
This year, his fastball velocity has dropped from 91.6 mph in 2025 to 90.5 mph. However, the biggest change has to be his struggles with command.
For someone with lackluster velocity, the location has to be on point to succeed in the major leagues. In 2025, 53.9% of his pitches were in the zone, down to nearly 44.9%. His walk rate has increased from 6.1% to 9.9%.
With such a small margin of error as a pitcher, the Dodgers hope to get him throwing more strikes, getting ahead in counts, and trusting his pitches.
Additionally, he will need to increase the velocity of his fastball, either by throwing with more effort, even if it means shorter outings, or by making a mechanical change.
Pitcher coach Mark Prior spent time working with Lauer early in his career with the San Diego Padres, so hopefully his familiarity can help Lauer find success again amid the Dodgers’ injuries.