Toronto Blue Jays Sign Tommy Nance Amid Injury Concerns

The Toronto Blue Jays have officially selected the contract of right-handed pitcher Tommy Nance, as announced on July 11, 2025. This decision came in response to the placement of fellow righty Ryan Burr on the 60-day injured list due to a right rotator cuff strain. The move creates both an active roster spot and a position on the 40-man roster for Nance, who has demonstrated potential in recent performances.

Nance, 34, initially joined the Blue Jays in August of the previous season during a tumultuous year for the team. In 2024, the Blue Jays aimed for a competitive season but ultimately fell short, leading them to sell players at the trade deadline. In his brief stint last year, Nance achieved a respectable 4.09 earned run average (ERA) over 22 innings, with a strikeout rate of 20.4% and a walk rate of 9.7%. Notably, he maintained a solid ground ball rate of 52.4%.

Despite being retained on the 40-man roster through the winter, Nance did not secure a spot in the opening day lineup in 2025. As a result, he was designated for assignment and subsequently assigned to Triple-A Buffalo. His performance in Buffalo revealed a more complex narrative; while he posted a 4.60 ERA over 31 and 1/3 innings, advanced metrics indicate that his performance might have been adversely affected by bad luck. Nance recorded a striking 31.3% strikeout rate and a low 5.2% walk rate with a 58% ground ball rate. However, a .363 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) and a low 55% strand rate suggest that his ERA may not reflect his true capabilities, as his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stands at an impressive 2.63.

The Blue Jays intend to integrate Nance into their bullpen, hoping that he can replicate his success from the minors at the major league level. His current situation is precarious, as he is out of options and cannot be easily reassigned to the minors. If Nance can maintain a roster spot through the end of the season, he will be eligible for retention beyond 2025.

Conversely, Burr's injury situation appears dire. After beginning the season on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation, Burr had recently returned to play but only lasted two games before re-injury. His placement on the 60-day IL suggests that the Blue Jays do not expect his return until at least September. Burr's previous season was marked by a 4.13 ERA over 32 and 2/3 innings, with a significantly higher strikeout rate of 33.6% and an 8.6% walk rate. His 3.07 FIP indicated he had been a victim of bad luck, as reflected by a .329 BABIP.

In a season where the Blue Jays are currently leading the American League East, the management is likely to pursue additional relief options as the trade deadline approaches. The selection of Nance reflects a strategic move to bolster the bullpen amidst ongoing injury challenges. The implications of these roster changes extend beyond immediate performance, potentially shaping the Blue Jays' playoff aspirations and future player development strategies. As Nance steps into this pivotal role, both he and the team will be watching closely to see if he can translate his minor league success into major league contributions.

Photo courtesy of Nathan Ray Seebeck, Imagn Images.