The revamped starting rotation for the Toronto Blue Jays is beginning to cause surprising moves to be made.
That began Saturday afternoon, with a report from MLB insider Francys Romero. Romero has reported that right-hander Yariel Rodriguez has been designated for assignment by Toronto.
Rodriguez made his MLB debut in 2024 before becoming an instrumental part of the Blue Jays bullpen during their run to the World Series. In 66 appearances last season, Rodriguez posted a 3.08 ERA and 66 strikeouts across 73 innings. Rodriguez was much more productive last season than he was in 2024 when he posted a 4.47 ERA.
The recent additions of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to the Toronto staff may have forced general manager Ross Atkins to make uncomfortable moves. There is also a realistic chance that Rodriguez’s 10.88 ERA in the postseason could’ve contributed to the decision for him to be DFA’d.
Toronto will now have seven days to trade, release or waive Rodriguez. If he becomes a free agent, there would likely be several suitors for a pitcher with a career 3.83 ERA that has the ability to both start and come out of the bullpen as a long reliever.
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