The Los Angeles Dodgers have spent much of the 2026 season searching for stability within their pitching staff, frequently relying on creative solutions to navigate injuries and workload management.

One of those solutions involved former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer, who was acquired in a trade by the Dodgers after he publicly expressed some displeasure about his role with the reigning American League champions. Now, the Dodgers appear ready to hand him a more traditional assignment as he enjoys a surprising turnaround in the National League.

Los Angeles Dodgers Move Eric Lauer To Preferred Role After Toronto Blue Jays Exit

After Lauer was moved from a more traditional starting role with the Blue Jays into a bulk relief job following an opener, he was clear with the media that it wasn’t his preference.

"It’s definitely different,” Lauer said of following another pitcher for the Blue Jays earlier this season, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic . “To be real blunt, I hate it. I can't stand it. But you work with what you got.”

That displeasure seemed to fuel the trade to the Dodgers, where Lauer was publicly more open to any role the team wanted him to play. And now after making a strong initial impression with the defending World Series champions, it seems the team had decided to utilize him as a traditional starter going forward.

"Dave Roberts said Dodgers will have Eric Lauer start (Monday’s) game in Sacramento and not use an opener," Dodger Talk’s David Vassegh reported on Sunday .

That decision came after Lauer embraced a challenge from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in his previous appearance.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Move Suggests Toronto Blue Jays Mismanaged Castoff Before Trade

Speaking shortly after Lauer followed Dodgers’ opener Will Klein to post six strong innings against the Tampa Bay Rays last week, Roberts revealed the challenge he sent to the Blue Jays castoff.

"My challenge was to have that reliever mindset from the outset and be more on the attack,” Roberts said of Lauer in his postgame comments . “His ability to have conviction and go after guys is what got him to the big leagues and what's kept him here. I think he'll be better when he attacks from the start."

Going into Monday’s start, Lauer had maintained a 2.54 ERA in his first five games with the Dodgers, making four starts. After the team put a closer in front of him against the Rays, it seems he has seized a traditional starting role once again — a notable update after he was so outspoken about his preferences before his Toronto exit.

Now it seems that Roberts and the Dodgers are going to give Lauer opportunities to attack from the very first pitch as he resumes a starter’s role shortly after losing that position with the Blue Jays.