The Toronto Blue Jays cut ties with a veteran hurler on Monday. After a tough start to the campaign, the Blue Jays designated veteran hurler Eric Lauer for assignment after eight total appearances this season and a 6.69 ERA across 36 1/3 innings pitched . On Monday, Blue Jays manager John Schneider opened up about the decision, as transcribed by MLB.com's Jason Foster and Ethan Diamandas . "[It was a] tough conversation because of what he did last year,” Schneider said. “I know it was kind of back and forth with him this year, bullpen and starting. It just felt like we needed to go in a different direction." Lauer was very good for the Blue Jays in 2025 en route to the club's trip to the World Series. He had a 3.18 ERA in 28 total appearances for the Blue Jays, including 15 starts. He was very good in the playoffs as well, pitching to a 3.12 ERA in 8 2/3 innings pitched. He made two appearances in the World Series and didn't allow a run across 5 2/3 innings.…