Toronto Blue Jays designate Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodríguez for assignment

June 9, 2026

The Toronto Blue Jays designated Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodríguez for assignment on June 8, 2026, ahead of their series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. In a corresponding move, the team activated reliever Tommy Nance off the injured list.

The 29-year-old from Camagüey, Cuba, arrived in Toronto with high expectations. The Blue Jays signed him to a five-year, $32 million contract in February 2024, one of the franchise's biggest international signings in recent memory. Rodríguez had raised his profile at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, starting for Cuba against the Netherlands and striking out six batters in four innings.

In 2026, Rodríguez made 10 relief appearances, posting a 7.71 ERA over 9.1 innings with 12 hits and seven walks allowed. His most glaring weakness was an inability to retire left-handed hitters, who batted .421 against him.

The 2025 season had generated optimism: Rodríguez threw 73 relief innings with a 3.08 ERA and was a key contributor in the Blue Jays' postseason run, which reached the American League Championship Series. The 2026 campaign, however, did not follow the same path.

With his DFA, other organizations are expected to show interest. His pitch mix — a fastball topping 100 mph and a dominant slider — still holds appeal for any club willing to take a chance on a rebound.