Blue Jays’ Former Southpaw Joins Division Rival After Phillies Trade

BusinessSportsMoneyBlue Jays’ Former Southpaw Joins Division Rival After Phillies TradeByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorMay 13, 2026, 07:00am EDTTORONTO, ON- MAY 4 - Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Josh Walker (21) pitches as the Toronto Blue Jays play the Cleveland Guardians at Rogers Centre in Toronto. May 4, 2025. Steve Russell/Toronto Star (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)Toronto Star via Getty ImagesThe Toronto Blue Jays are struggling to recapture the momentum they enjoyed during their Cinderella run all the way to Game 7 of the World Series last year.Despite some significant offseason additions to the roster, the Blue Jays sit toward the bottom of the American League East division, with injuries and poor performances taking a big toll.Most recently, the team saw its pitching staff hit with another setback as it was forced to designate Eric Lauer for assignment, raising questions about who the team might be able to rely on as its fifth starter.“From pouting to poor outings, from griping about his role with the team, to giving up far too many home runs, the Blue Jays had seen enough of pitcher Eric Lauer,” Rob Longley wrote for the Toronto Sun. “And now, an arm so central to the team’s championship run of a year ago is gone, a quarter of the way into this season. Perhaps even with an element of good riddance.”Immediately after dismissing Lauer, the Blue Jays called up Yariel Rodriguez. But with Shane Bieber, Jose Berrios and Max Scherzer all sidelined, the team could need another arm soon.ForbesRed Sox Pitcher, Who Became ‘Center Of Prejudice’ On Mound, DiesBy Peter ChawagaToronto Blue Jays’ Former Pitcher Josh Walker Joins Baltimore Orioles’ Big-League RosterAs the team considers its internal and external options for another pitcher, it has received an update on Josh Walker, who handled five innings in the majo...