Blue Jays Select Tommy Nance
Tommy Nance Rejoins Blue Jays Bullpen as Ryan Burr Lands on 60-Day IL
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The Toronto Blue Jays have recalled right-handed pitcher Tommy Nance to the active roster, filling the spot vacated by Ryan Burr, who has been placed on the 60-day injured list with a right rotator cuff strain. This move opens both an active roster and a 40-man roster spot for nance, who previously had a stint with the club last season.
Nance’s Return: A Second Chance for the Right-Hander
Nance, 34, returns to the Blue Jays’ bullpen after spending time in Triple-A Buffalo. Last season, he posted a 4.09 ERA in 22 innings for Toronto, showcasing a strong 52.4% ground ball rate, though his strikeout and walk rates were slightly below average. Despite being kept on the 40-man roster through the winter, Nance did not make the Opening Day roster and was outrighted to buffalo.
In Buffalo, Nance has demonstrated improved metrics, with a 31.3% strikeout rate and a 5.2% walk rate, both well above average.His underlying numbers,including a 2.63 FIP, suggest he may have experienced some bad luck with a high batting average on balls in play and a low strand rate. The Blue Jays are hoping Nance can translate these promising Triple-A performances to the major league level.
Nance’s Contract Status and Future with the Jays
Crucially, nance is out of options, meaning he cannot be sent back down to the minors without passing through waivers. If he remains on the active roster through the end of the season,he will be eligible for arbitration. This move signals the Blue Jays’ intent to evaluate Nance in the big leagues as they gear up for a potential playoff push, especially as they are currently leading the American League East.
Burr’s Injury: A Setback for the Bullpen
The placement of Ryan Burr on the 60-day injured list is a significant blow to the Blue Jays’ bullpen depth.Burr, who began the season on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, had only recently been reinstated five days prior. He appeared in two major league games before exiting his most recent outing on Wednesday with an apparent injury.
The immediate transfer to the 60-day IL suggests a lengthy recovery period for Burr,with a potential return not expected until September,even in the most optimistic scenario. Last year, Burr was effective for Toronto, recording a 4.13 ERA with a strong 33.6% strikeout rate over 32 2/3 innings.His advanced metrics also indicated he pitched better than his ERA suggested. Though, his 2025 season has been largely derailed by injuries, limiting his opportunities to build on last year’s performance.
The Blue jays, as contenders in the AL East, are expected to be active in seeking bullpen reinforcements before the trade deadline, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Burr’s health and the need to solidify their relief corps for the postseason.