Last season, Eric Lauer helped an injury-depleted Blue Jays rotation keep it together for much of the year. But he has not been able to do that in what has been an equally challenging season for the Blue Jays’ pitching staff. And on May 11, Toronto cut Lauer off the 40-man roster.

Lauer cut by Blue Jays

The big news of the day was the Blue Jays designating Eric Lauer for assignment. It was a corresponding move made to get Yariel Rodriguez, who was called up on the 11th, on the 40-man roster.

Lauer was one of the Blue Jays’ unsung heroes last season. However, the lefty had significant trouble, both in the rotation and out of the bullpen as a bulk pitcher. He conceded 11 home runs and 16 walks over 36 innings.

Braves bring back Azocar

The Braves re-signed outfielder Jose Azocar to a Minor League deal.

Azocar was assigned to Triple-A.

Recalls & options

Dylan Smith (Giants), Logan Porter (Giants), Alex Freeland (Dodgers), and Trey Gibson (Orioles) were optioned to Triple-A.

Yohendrick Pinango (Blue Jays), Tristan Beck (Giants), and Domingo Gonzalez (Mariners) were recalled from the Minors.

Other moves

Baltimore selected pitcher Josh Walker from Triple-A Norfolk and added him to the active roster.

The Rays sent Justyn-Henry Malloy outright to Triple-A Durham.

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