The Toronto Blue Jays are continuing to shake up their roster.
Ahead of tonight's series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Blue Jays are designating relief pitcher Yariel Rodriguez for assignment, according to MLB insider Francys Romero.
In a corresponding move, Toronto is activating reliever Tommy Nance from the injured list. Nance landed on the IL on May 17, sidelined with right shoulder soreness.
The end of Rodriguez's tenure in Toronto comes as a surprise given the excitement surrounding him just a few years ago. The Blue Jays signed the now 29-year-old Rodriguez to a five-year, $32 million contract before the 2024 season.
Rodriguez was viewed as one of the top international pitching prospects in the world after defecting from Cuba. At the time, his signing was considered a major addition for Toronto.
He first made a name for himself during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Rodriguez threw 7.1 innings for Cuba, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out 10 batters. He also showed off the devastating slider that made him such a coveted arm.
However, the command issues that surfaced during the tournament eventually followed him to the major leagues. Rodriguez walked six batters during the World Baseball Classic and never consistently found the strike zone in Toronto.
This season, Rodriguez made 10 appearances out of the bullpen. He posted a 7.71 ERA over 9.1 innings while allowing 12 hits and seven walks. He finished with an ugly 2.04 WHIP.
Rodriguez opened his Blue Jays career as a starter in 2024. He went 1-8 with a 4.47 ERA across 21 starts and 86.2 innings. Even then, he posted a high 1.32 WHIP.
Very often, Rodriguez would begin games well before running into trouble later. That eventually led Toronto to move him into the bullpen.
The move initially paid off. Rodriguez posted a 3.08 ERA over 73 relief innings with 66 strikeouts in 2025. Opponents hit just .196 against him, and he finished with a career low 1.15 WHIP. However, this season didn't bring the same results.
The Blue Jays will remain responsible for the rest of Rodriguez's contract unless they find a trade partner. He is owed $8 million in 2027, and his deal includes a $6.3 million team option for 2028.
Given his electric pitch mix and upside, it would not be surprising if another club takes a chance on him through a trade or on waivers.
After falling one game short of a World Series title last season, things have not come as easy for Toronto in 2026. The Blue Jays enter tonight's game at 32-34 and sit seven games behind in the American League East.
Toronto hopes to get things rolling again tonight, but it faces a tough challenge with National League Cy Young favorite Cristopher Sánchez on the mound for the Phillies.
