Blue Jays’ Castoff Responds To ‘Hate’ After Joining NL Rival

BusinessSportsMoneyBlue Jays’ Castoff Responds To ‘Hate’ After Joining NL RivalByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorMay 20, 2026, 07:00pm EDTSEATTLE, WA - MAY 11: Relief pitcher Eric Lauer #56 of the Toronto Blue Jays is congratulated by teammates in the dugout during the seventh inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on May 11, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Toronto Blue Jays might have been hoping to recapture the momentum they enjoyed during their World Series run last year when they visited the rival New York Yankees this week.In the latest American League Division Series, the Blue Jays topped their division foe in four games. But instead of enjoying a similar result in their latest series, the team endured two straight losses going into Wednesday.“We’re not the same team we were last year,” outfielder Daulton Varsho said after Tuesday’s loss, per Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. “We have to find a different identity than what we were because obviously there are different guys in the clubhouse, different lineup. So understanding who we are now, we have to get that identity to come out.”ForbesDodgers’ Mookie Betts Sends Shohei Ohtani Message As Concerns MountBy Peter ChawagaToronto Blue Jays Cut Eric Lauer From The Roster After ‘Hate’ CommentsAs the Blue Jays struggle to figure out what the most effective version of their team looks like this season, it recently cut ties with a key figure from the World Series matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers who was performing like a far cry from his former self.Last week, the Blue Jays designated Eric Lauer for assignment after he posted a 6.69 ERA with a league-leading 11 home runs allowed. Despite those struggles, the decision might have been a bit of a surprise after Lauer maintained a 3.38 ERA in 15 starts las...