The Toronto Blue Jays are keeping at least one more pitcher around in triple-A following the late camp roster cuts.
Right-handed reliever Tommy Nance, who was designated for assignment on March 27th, has passed through waivers unclaimed and has been outrighted to the Buffalo Bisons roster. Nance was a late cut in spring training and was out of MiLB options, so the Jays had to designate him versus a straight option to the minors.
The move was made in conjunction with fellow relievers Zach Pop and Nick Robertson being DFA’d as well, although both have not passed through to the Bisons roster at this time (according to the MiLB transaction tracker). Outfielders Alan Roden and Myles Straw, as well as reliever Jacob Barnes, were added to the 40-man in corresponding roster moves.
ROSTER MOVES:
🔹 We’ve selected the contract of LHP Mason Fluharty – he will be active for today’s game and wear number 68
🔹 LHP Richard Lovelady designated for assignment
🔹 RHP Tommy Nance has cleared outright waivers and been assigned to Triple-A pic.twitter.com/iigwfNZmDj
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 30, 2025
Toronto acquired Nance in early August last season from the San Diego Padres, sending cash the other way. Nance would immediately be moved to the big league roster and make 20 appearances down the stretch, tossing a 4.09 ERA while allowing 10 earned runs through 22 innings. The right-hander finished with a 1.227 WHIP and a 7.8 K/9 while working late in games. His first six appearances saw him allow just one earned run compared to three hits, but a tough outing against the Angels on August 22nd saw his ERA balloon past the 4.00 mark. He brought the number back down, but a late-game loss against the Boston Red Sox where he allowed two runs pushed the ERA just past the 4.00 mark.
Fighting for a roster spot this spring, the California product amassed a 5.06 ERA through 5 1/3 innings, allowing nine hits and three runs with two homers compared to six strikeouts. While it wasn’t his best work, Nance hung around spring training til the very end, but it was Jacob Barnes and Richard Lovelady getting the nod instead to round out the relief corps. Lovelady has already been DFA’d in favour of Mason Fluharty after an abysmal weekend where he hit three batters.
While word is still out on Robertson and Pop, Nance will be another arm the Jays can lean on in triple-A, if needed.