Tommy Nance Replaces Ryan Burr In The Blue Jays' Reliever Carousel

[Simon Li]

Right-hand reliever Ryan Burr pitched just two innings for the Jays' major league team before going back on the injured list. The righty didn't allow a run, struck out three batters, and sat 93.9 mph on his fastball during his short stint this season. Burr was projected to be one of the Jays' best relievers during preseason projections, and he also pitched to a 4.13 ERA/3.07 FIP in 2024 while accumulating 0.5 fWAR in 32 1/3 IP, so this is a blow to the depth charts for the Jays. Burr already went on the IL for a shoulder issue during spring training with shoulder tendinitis, so his going back on the IL for a right shoulder rotator cuff strain is also concerning.

To replace him is 34-year-old right-hander Tommy Nance, who also pitched in the Jays' bullpen during the end of the season after being traded from the Padres for cash in a minor league trade. Nance pitched well enough, with a 4.09 ERA/3.98 FIP in 22 innings pitched, but was designated for assignment in spring training after not making the opening day roster. Nance has pitched 31 1/3 innings in Buffalo, where he has a 4.60 ERA, but a 2.63 FIP, striking out 31.3% of the batters he faced and only walking 5.2%. Nance will help shore up a bullpen that has had little rest recently, and with his two strong breaking balls, should be effective enough in middle relief. 

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