Pop, Nance, Robertson designated for assignment by Blue Jays to create space on 40-man roster
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Photo credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Thomas Hall
Mar 27, 2025, 11:30 EDTUpdated: Mar 27, 2025, 11:42 EDT
The Toronto Blue Jays have finalized their 2025 Opening Day roster ahead of Thursday’s afternoon matchup against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre.
A few hours before first pitch, the club announced a series of roster moves that included designating three relievers for assignment — Zach Pop, Tommy Nance and Nick Robertson — to make room on the 40-man roster for right-hander Jacob Barnes and outfielders Alan Roden and Myles Straw.
Additionally, the Blue Jays placed relievers Erik Swanson (forearm) and Ryan Burr (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list and outfielder Daulton Varsho (shoulder) on the 10-day IL.
Pop and Nance entered this spring with zero minor-league options remaining, while Robertson still had one left. All three must first clear waivers before they can be outrighted to triple-A Buffalo.
Among that trio, Pop was expected to begin this season on the IL after suffering right elbow inflammation late in camp, and that’s likely where he’ll end up if any team claims him off waivers.
Nance entered this spring competing for one of the open spots in Toronto’s bullpen. But the 34-year-old struggled to make a compelling case after surrendering three runs (all earned) on nine hits — including two home runs — and three walks while striking out six across 5.1 innings in six appearances.
Robertson only made two relief outings with the big-league club before spring training concluded, recording three strikeouts and allowing just one hit and a walk over three innings.
Roden, the organization’s No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will make his highly-anticipated major league debut during Thursday’s season opener, playing right field and batting ninth against the O’s.