Blue Jays Shake Up Pitching Staff

In a surprising move just ahead of the MLB season opener, the Toronto Blue Jays have designated three right-handed pitchers for assignment: Zach Pop, Tommy Nance, and Nick Robertson. This decision allows the Blue Jays to make room for newly added right-hander Jacob Barnes and outfielders Alan Roden and Myles Straw on their 40-man roster.

The Blue Jays confirmed their plans to select these new additions earlier, and this morning, the team took the final steps toward finalizing their roster ahead of the highly anticipated Opening Day. In addition to these changes, the Blue Jays also placed right-handers Erik Swanson and Ryan Burr on the 15-day Injured List, while center fielder Daulton Varsho will start the season on the 10-day IL.

Zach Pop

Zach Pop emerged as a promising talent after being traded to the Blue Jays from the Marlins in 2022, showcasing an impressive 1.89 ERA in 17 late-season appearances. However, his performance faltered over the past two seasons, posting a disappointing 5.81 ERA in 73 games, along with a concerning home run rate of 1.89 HR/9. Adding to his challenges, Pop is currently facing elbow discomfort, which would have sidelined him for the start of the season.

Tommy Nance

Tommy Nance, who made his MLB debut with the Chicago Cubs at 30, has experienced a rollercoaster career. After a rocky start in his rookie season, he demonstrated potential as a reliable reliever during his time with the Miami Marlins in 2022. But injuries plagued his 2023 season, and though he showed flash in Toronto with a 4.09 ERA, he struggled to consistently deliver at the major league level.

Nick Robertson

Nick Robertson, only 26, has already played for four different teams since entering the league. With a career ERA of 5.30 but a more favorable 3.52 SIERA, Robertson features the ability to handle multiple innings in relief. However, his time since leaving the Dodgers organization has seen a marked decline in performance, struggling to maintain strikeouts and control. With one option year remaining, he may attract interest from teams looking for bullpen depth.

As the Blue Jays gear up for the season, these roster changes signify not only a commitment to improvement but also a reflection of the team's injury challenges. Fans will be eagerly watching how these transactions will shape the team's performance as they aim for playoff contention in the highly competitive AL East.

Stay tuned for live updates as the season unfolds — is this the right move for the Blue Jays? Only time will tell!