Blue Jays to start Eric Lauer in series finale vs. Red Sox

Eric Lauer won’t pitch behind an opener on Wednesday.

The outing was lined up with Max Scherzer’s turn in the rotation, but the 41-year-old was placed on the 15-day injured list with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation on Monday.

Lauer last started on April 22 against the Los Angeles Angels and allowed three earned runs — striking out three and walking two — over five innings in a 7-3 Blue Jays loss.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters Saturday that Lauer would move to the bullpen to make room in the rotation for the return of Trey Yesavage.

Lauer, 30, ranked second among Blue Jays pitchers with 2.2 bWAR last season, but has struggled in 2026, with his ERA has jumping from 3.18 last year to 6.75 now.

“To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it,” Lauer told reporters after he entered the Blue Jays game on April 17 after opener Braydon Fisher.

Lauer will get another chance at a proper start on Wednesday as the Blue Jays aim for a series win over the Red Sox. Catch the action on Sportsnet at 3 p.m. ET / noon PT.