Blue Jays DFA Yariel Rodríguez, activate Tommy Nance ahead of Phillies series

The Toronto Blue Jays shortened their bullpen rotation Monday by designating right-hander Yariel Rodríguez for assignment and activating reliever Tommy Nance from the 15-day injured list. The move, announced June 8, comes with Toronto trying to get its pitching group fully operational as the schedule tightens and more starters and relievers prepare to return. It also immediately affects the roster picture for Monday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

’s transactions log confirmed the corresponding pair: Nance was activated and Rodríguez was designated for assignment on June 8. Sportsnet reported that Nance was active for Monday’s matchup, while Rodríguez’s MLB performance has been uneven this season. Rodríguez, 29, has recorded a 7.71 ERA and a 2.036 WHIP across 10 appearances, and Sportsnet noted his most recent outing came in a loss to the Baltimore Orioles when he allowed four runs (two earned) while recording two outs.

The Blue Jays’ decision also reflects the roster arithmetic that comes with returning players. ’s injury and transaction tracker lists several significant names with upcoming return dates, including Dylan Cease (expected June 9) and Max Scherzer (expected June 10). In that environment, teams routinely look for ways to maximize bullpen availability without carrying too many arms who are not providing reliable outcomes in their current roles.

Rodríguez’s situation is complicated by his recent history in the organization. He joined Toronto as a free agent ahead of the 2024 season after spending time in Japan’s NPB, and Sportsnet described his early Toronto usage as more starter-oriented. But a separate transaction thread began in December, when MLB Trade Rumors reported Toronto outrighted Rodríguez off the 40-man roster, which cleared the way for him to spend time in the minors without occupying a major-league spot.

That minor-league stretch included a notable adjustment. Jays Centre reported earlier in the season that while pitching for Triple-A Buffalo, Rodríguez significantly altered his pitch mix by throwing his fastball less and leaning more heavily on his splitter, producing promising early results. The central theme was not just better results, but a clearer plan for why a specific pitch was getting more leverage against hitters at that level. Toronto’s current roster move suggests the organization still wants to see that version of Rodríguez translate quickly enough to justify space on a crowded staff.

For Rodríguez, the immediate next step after a designation for assignment is the team’s waiver and assignment process, meaning he could be claimed or returned to minor-league custody depending on waiver outcomes. For Nance, the focus shifts to workload and role definition as Toronto uses its activated bullpen arm during a key interleague stretch. What to watch over the next few days is whether Nance can stabilize late innings while the Blue Jays absorb the ripple effects of multiple pitchers nearing return dates.