Injuries to Jose Berrios, Bowden Francis, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage seemingly opened the door for Yariel Rodriguez, but it's not to be.
According to Francys Romero of Beisbol FR, the Toronto Blue Jays have told pitcher Yariel Rodriguez that he will not be on the Opening Day roster. He will instead begin his season at Triple-A Buffalo. This marks a stark fall for Rodriguez after just two years in the big leagues.
Here's what you need to know.
About Rodriguez
The 28-year-old Rodriguez was signed to a a five-year deal worth $30 million before the 2024 season. While his 2024 campaign saw him really struggle as a starter, he was much better in 2025. Serving as a reliever, he went 3-2 with a 3.08 ERA in 66 games. He struck out 66 batters in 73.0 innings and helped the Jays reach the World Series.
He was on the playoff roster for the American League Division Series and ALCS before being removed prior to the Fall Classic, and after the big additions of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, Rodriguez was outrighted off the 40-man roster in December. Tyler Rogers's signing complicated things for him even further.
However, he pitched well for Team Cuba in the World Baseball Classic this month, giving up just one earned run in six innings. He struck out 10 in those six innings and also hit 96 mph. Those performances, coupled with recent injuries to Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios and Bowden Francis, seemed to open the door for Rodriguez again, but he will not get his chance.
Currently off the 40-man roster, he'll have to be put back on in order to appear in a Jays uniform again.
What are the options here?
1) To Romero's point, Rodriguez can start the year at Triple-A Buffalo and wait for a chance to get put back on the 40-man roster. Another injury or a poor performance could re-open the door for him.
2) The Jays can trade him. While they'd likely have to eat all or most of the remaining money, another team might value him as a starter or a reliever. He serves depth purposes for the team, but if they aren't going to bring him now in the face of all these injuries, how much do they really value him?
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Yariel Rodriguez (29) throws in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners during game three of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. John Froschauer-Imagn ImagesOther news
The roster isn't finalized yet, but will be soon with Opening Day coming on Friday. There are still questions about the final bullpen spots and the final spot on the bench. The Blue Jays will play the Athletics on Friday night at 7:07 p.m. ET.
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