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

This week, we check in on young infielders with upside in S.F. and Arizona, are reintroduced to an old NL West friend in L.A.
Aug 29 2026 3:05am
Luke Adams, Cooper Hjerpe, Owen Ayers, and BJ Murray may be among the guys called up to make their MLB debut in the NL Central
Aug 28 2026 3:05am
Angel Genao has been getting plenty of playing time in Cleveland, often at the expense of Brayan Rocchio. Plus, the possible return of Drew Thorpe for CHW, the bullpen outlook in DET, Sal Perez's 2H rebound, and Joe Ryan's recovery in MIN.
Aug 27 2026 3:06am
The A's have been depleted by injuries, but are getting some needed outfield help soon.
Aug 26 2026 3:05am
Could George Springer's playing time continue to slip as his struggles continue? Plus, Blaze Alexander nearing a return for BAL, and rotation updates for TB, BOS, and NYY.
Aug 25 2026 3:05am

Tools