Report: Blue Jays Add Right-Hander to Roster as Left-Hander Goes on Paternity List
The Toronto Blue Jays have made a roster adjustment, placing left-hander Génesis Cabrera on the paternity list and selecting right-hander Tommy Nance to fill his spot on the active roster. Following this move, the Blue Jays’ 40-man roster count now stands at 38, up from 37 after recent deadline dealings. Nance, who was previously on a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, was acquired by the Blue Jays for cash considerations, as reported by Keegan Matheson of MLB.com on X.
Despite the trade deadline having passed, teams can still make certain roster adjustments. MLBTR’s Steve Adams highlighted that trades are permissible if the players involved have not been on a 40-man roster during the current season, allowing for transactions like the one involving Nance.
Nance, 33, joined the Padres on a minor league deal last December and spent the entire season with their Triple-A affiliate. In 33 1/3 innings across 26 appearances in the Pacific Coast League, he posted a 4.05 ERA. His performance included a 23.3% strikeout rate, a 5.3% walk rate, and a 51% ground ball rate, demonstrating solid control and effectiveness despite the hitter-friendly league environment.
Nance’s chances with the Padres were limited, particularly after the team bolstered its bullpen with acquisitions of Jason Adam, Tanner Scott, and Bryan Hoeing at the trade deadline. Conversely, the Blue Jays’ bullpen presents a more open opportunity following trades of Yimi García, Trevor Richards, and Nate Pearson, coupled with Jordan Romano’s injury and Cabrera’s current absence.
This scenario provides Nance with a chance to enhance his career numbers. He previously pitched for the Chicago Cubs in 2021 and the Miami Marlins in 2022, compiling a 5.47 ERA over 72 1/3 innings. While his 10.5% walk rate was higher than ideal, his 26.9% strikeout rate and 50.5% ground ball rate were better than average. Advanced metrics, such as his 4.23 FIP and 3.48 SIERA, suggest he may have been deserving of a lower ERA.
Nance’s 2022 season with the Marlins was marred by injury, including a shoulder strain that kept him out for the initial months and an oblique strain that led to a return to the injured list in August. After being outrighted by the Marlins at the end of the season, he signed with the Padres but now finds a new opportunity with the Blue Jays.
With Nance out of options and just over two years of major league service time, he has a chance to secure a spot on the Blue Jays’ roster through the end of the season. Should he maintain his position, he will not be arbitration eligible and could be a cost-effective option for the team moving forward.
