The Toronto Blue Jays' ever-growing list of transactions related to the pitching staff added a couple more wrinkles before the start of a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday.

The Blue Jays opted to select the contract of right-handed reliever/starting pitcher Yariel Rodriguez.

In a corresponding move, Toronto opted to designated for assignment left-handed hurler Eric Lauer, who has assumed the role of the reliever/starter utility arm that could possibly now be Rodriguez's.

Lauer has had a lot of additional responsibilities this season due to the long list of injuries to the team's starting rotation.

Shane Bieber, Jose Berrios and Trey Yesavage all began the year on the injured list due to various injuries. The bullpen also wasn't at full strength with right-hander Yimi Garcia also on the shelf.

Yesavage wasn't activated off the IL until April 28.

In addition to those four, three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, who the team brought in to fill in for the aforementioned injuries, also landed on the IL due to right arm tendinitis. Cody Ponce, who was signed by the Jays to a three-year, $30 million contract this offseason, is out for the season after suffering a sprained ACL in his first start of the season against the Colorado Rockies on March 30.

In the stead of these ailing hurlers, Lauer has posted a 6.69 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 36.1 innings pitched across eight appearances (six starts).

Lauer was originally signed by Toronto to a minor league contract Dec. 20, 2024, and received a non-roster invitation to spring training. Lauer joined the Blue Jays after splitting time the six seasons before in the majors with the San DIego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers.

Between Lauer's time with the Brewers and landing with Toronto, he spent time in the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations but didn't make a major league appearance with either club.

Lauer's first season with the Blue Jays last year was a successful one. He had a 3.18 ERA and fanned 102 hitters in 104.2 innings across 28 appearances (15 starts).

Lauer pitched exclusively out of the bullpen for Toronto during its run to the World Series last October. He had a 3.18 ERA with eight strikeouts in 8.2 innings pitched across five outings.

If the utility pitcher role doesn't go to Rodriguez, there's a chance that he could be used exclusively out of the bullpen while Spencer Miles fill the shoes now vacated by Laurer.

Miles made his first start of the season against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday and went three innings in the 6-1 loss. Miles, who's currently in the middle of his first major league season, has a 3.00 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched across 12 appearances (one start).

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