Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander makes Opening Day roster

As the final game of Spring Training wraps up, the Toronto Blue Jays are nearly set with their Opening Day roster for the 2026 season, with only a few decisions left to make.

According to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet, manager John Schneider confirmed that reliever Tommy Nance has secured a spot in the bullpen.

Nance entered Spring Training without any remaining minor league options, meaning the Blue Jays risked losing him to another team if he didn't make the roster.

His strong performance in 2025 made a compelling case to keep him. Across 30 appearances, he recorded a 1.99 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings, and did not allow a single home run.

He was especially dominant through the summer, lowering his ERA to 0.82 by the end of August. His consistency earned him high-leverage opportunities, including a save situation in the opening game of a series against the Cincinnati Reds.

One of the biggest factors behind Nance's success was his curveball, which produced a 40.9% whiff rate while limiting opponents to a .159 batting average.

His sinker and slider were less effective, however, with both pitches yielding expected batting averages above .300.

With Nance now confirmed, just one bullpen spot remains up for grabs in Toronto.

The final decision is expected to come down to a group that includes Adam Macko, Chase Lee, and Spencer Miles, who was selected in the Rule 5 Draft last year.

The team could also look outside the organization if another option becomes available.

Per Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, Schneider is expected to make the final bullpen decision tomorrow morning.

Toronto opens its 2026 regular season on Friday night against the Oakland Athletics, with first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET.

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