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Blue Jays DFA Yariel Rodriguez with Tommy Nance returning from IL
Yariel Rodriguez (29) throws in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners during game three of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. John Froschauer-Imagn Images

Blue Jays DFA Yariel Rodriguez with Tommy Nance returning from IL

The Yariel Rodriguez experiment has come to an end, as the Toronto Blue Jays have designated him for assignment, with Tommy Nance returning from the IL. 

Rodriguez will likely clear waivers and head back to AAA Buffalo. 

The Blue Jays brought Rodriguez back when they DFA'd Eric Lauer following his struggles in the rotation. However, he has struggled to establish consistency this season. 

During this stretch, the 29-year-old made 10 relief appearances, sporting a poor 7.71 ERA with a 2.04 WHIP, while surrendering 12 hits and giving up eight earned runs in only 9.1 innings. 

Yariel Rodriguez's inconsistencies forced the Blue Jays to DFA him

Rodriguez did show signs of promise, where he recorded a scoreless streak in late May with four consecutive relief appearances (3.2 innings pitched). He was capable of keeping runners stranded in four consecutive relief appearances (3.2 innings pitched from May 24 to May 31). 

But following his scoreless streak came his worst outing against the Baltimore Orioles on June 5. He pitched only 0.2 innings, giving up two earned runs on four hits, one walk and a strikeout in the Blue Jays' 13-3 blowout loss. 

Rodriguez was never established for dominating the strike zone (13.3% strikeout rate), and walks were his Achilles' heel (15.6% walk rate). 

As the Blue Jays have won their last three series, they need to have their best arms in the bullpen. Tommy Nance has been a critical reliever and having him back will help stabilize and strengthen the bullpen. Before landing on the 15-day IL, Nance recorded a 3.86 ERA and 1.14 WHIP and 25 strikeouts across 21 innings of work. 

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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