The Los Angeles Dodgers activated Eric Lauer and optioned Wyatt Mills to Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of their second game against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.
Mills made four appearances for the Dodgers, tossing 3.1 innings and allowing three runs since having his contract selected on May 10 as the Dodgers were searching for fresh arms.
Mills has three Major League stints with the Seattle Mariners (2021-22), Kansas City Royals (2022) and Dodgers (2026), posting an 0-1 record with a 6.35 ERA in 42 games.
He has pitched in 201 Minor League games (eight starts), recording a 24-13 record with a 3.22 ERA in 259.2 innings, while posting a 1.10 WHIP with 322 strikeouts.
He previously signed a Minor League deal with the Dodgers in August 2025 and spent Spring Training with the team before being cut from the roster in March.
Dodgers add Eric Lauer
The Dodgers acquired Lauer from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for cash considerations on Sunday as they deal with multiple injuries on their pitching staff.
He was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays six days before being traded to the Dodgers. He first joined the Blue Jays on a Minor League contract before the start of the 2025 season and went on to play a key role for them.
Lauer was used as a swingman, but made it clear he preferred to start. He was given that opportunity this year due to injuries, but posted a 6.15 ERA in six starts. He also holds an 8.10 ERA in two appearances out of the bullpen.
However, Lauer went 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 28 games (15 starts) last season. He also made five appearances during the postseason last year, which included 5.2 scoreless innings over two games against the Dodgers in the World Series.
Lauer spent most of his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, but debuted with the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers are quite familiar with him, and he has given them troubles throughout his career, posting a 2.90 ERA in 13 starts against them.
Overall, the left-hander has a 4.26 ERA and 1.34 FIP in 737.2 innings, with 133 starts and 23 appearances out of the bullpen. He’s additionally struck out 22% of hitters and walked 8.6%.
The Dodgers plan to use him as a swingman, a role they haven’t had in their bullpen this season. “He’ll be in the ‘pen and we’ll kind of use him there as a long man for now,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It could change, but for now as a long man.”
Lauer faced travel issues getting to the Dodgers, which delayed his activation.
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