The Toronto Blue Jays have placed left-hander Genesis Cabrera on the paternity list, prompting the team to select right-hander Tommy Nance to the active roster. This move brings the Blue Jays’ 40-man roster count from 37 to 38. Nance, 33, was recently acquired from the San Diego Padres in exchange for cash considerations, as reported by Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.
Although the trade deadline has passed, certain types of player acquisitions are still permitted, specifically involving players who have not been on a 40-man roster this season. Nance fits this category, having spent the year with the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate after signing a minor league deal with San Diego last December. In 26 appearances for the Padres’ Triple-A club, he posted a 4.05 ERA over 33 1/3 innings, with a strikeout rate of 23.3%, a walk rate of 5.3%, and a ground ball rate of 51%.
Nance wasn’t likely to break into the Padres’ bullpen, particularly after the team added arms like Jason Adam, Tanner Scott, and Bryan Hoeing at the trade deadline. However, the Blue Jays’ bullpen has more openings, especially after trading Yimi García, Trevor Richards, and Nate Pearson, and with Jordan Romano currently on the injured list. Cabrera’s temporary absence also opens the door for Nance to contribute immediately.
Nance has previous major league experience, having pitched for the Chicago Cubs in 2021 and the Miami Marlins in 2022. Over 72 1/3 innings in the majors, he has a 5.47 ERA, with a 10.5% walk rate, a 26.9% strikeout rate, and a 50.5% ground ball rate. However, his underlying metrics, including a 4.23 FIP and 3.48 SIERA, suggest that he might have been somewhat unlucky, indicating potential for better performance.
Nance’s 2023 season with the Padres has been a bounce-back effort after a difficult 2022 season, during which he struggled with shoulder and oblique injuries, leading to limited action. He was ultimately outrighted by the Marlins and became a free agent before signing with San Diego.
Now with Toronto, Nance, who is out of minor league options, has an opportunity to solidify his place on the roster. With just over two years of major league service time, he won’t be eligible for arbitration this offseason, making him an affordable option for the Blue Jays moving forward if he performs well.