Toronto Blue Jays announce roster decision on 3-year MLB player before Phillies Series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Toronto Blue Jays, after beating the Orioles two out of three games over the weekend, are beginning another critical series on Monday. This time, against the Philadelphia Phillies (in Toronto).
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Before the series begins, the Blue Jays are designating Yariel Rodriguez for assignment, per reports by Francys Romero.
The corresponding move is RHP Tommy Nance being reinstated from the 15-day IL. Yariel Rodriguez carried an ERA of 7.71 over 9.1 innings and 10 appearances out of the bullpen this season.
Blue Jays DFA Yariel Rodriguez, Reinstate Tommy Nance
Leo Morgensten of MLBTR.com writes (on 6/8):
“Presumably, Toronto is hoping for a similar situation to last time: Rodríguez and his contract pass through waivers unclaimed, and he stays in the organization. Despite his recent issues, he has flashed promising stuff in NPB, Triple-A, and occasionally in MLB. In a best-case scenario, the Blue Jays can help him make the changes he needs to make to thrive in the majors. In a worst-case scenario, he’s endlessly DFA-able bullpen depth.”
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Yariel Rodriguez signed a five-year, $33 million contract before ever throwing a pitch in MLB. He started 21 games for the Blue Jays in 2024, and then transitioned into a bullpen piece in ’25. Last season, he held an ERA of 3.08 over 73 innings, so his time with the Blue Jays is certainly not over.
Over 169 total MLB innings in parts of three seasons, Yariel Rodriguez’s ERA is 4.05 with 157 strikeouts.
It’s been a bumpy start in the bigs this year, but Rodriguez had success down in Triple-A before being recalled again, and as Morgensten writes, there’s likely plenty of options in his contract.
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