The Toronto Blue Jays have recalled Cuban right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodríguez to Major League Baseball, as reported on Sunday by sports journalist Francys Romero.
Rodríguez is expected to join the team on Monday, although the exact date of his activation to the roster remains uncertain.
This return is supported by his impressive stats in Triple-A Buffalo: a 2.63 ERA, 25 strikeouts over 13.2 innings pitched, and 11 appearances. "Yariel is back where he belongs," Romero noted when sharing the news.
Since Rodríguez is not currently included in Toronto's 40-man roster, the team will need to make a corresponding move to accommodate him.
Overcoming Challenges on the Path Back
Rodríguez's journey back to the majors wasn't easy. In December 2025, despite a strong season as a reliever, Toronto removed him from the 40-man roster and designated him for assignment. He cleared waivers unclaimed and returned to the organization with no guarantees.
In the spring of 2026, Rodríguez was not part of the Opening Day roster and was assigned to Triple-A Buffalo on March 27.
Determined not to give up, the Havana native used his time in the minors to develop a new splitter that generated a 40% swing-and-miss rate and recorded a 21.7% swinging strike rate, the second-highest among minor league pitchers during that period.
On April 8, Rodríguez delivered a strong performance in Triple-A with six strikeouts over 2.1 innings, reaching 96.2 mph with his fastball and inducing 11 swings and misses.
Previous MLB and International Achievements
In the 2025 season, Rodríguez was a key component of Toronto's bullpen, achieving a 3.08 ERA, 66 strikeouts, and a 1.15 WHIP over 73 innings and 66 appearances, with two saves and 14 holds. He was part of the Blue Jays team that made it to the American League playoffs, though he struggled in the postseason with a 10.13 ERA in four outings.
Born on June 20, 1996, in Havana, Rodríguez previously excelled in Japan's professional league with the Chunichi Dragons between 2021 and 2023, boasting a 1.79 ERA over two seasons. He defected from the Cuban national team in March 2023 during the World Baseball Classic in Taipei and signed with Toronto in 2024 for five years and $32 million.
In January 2026, Toronto greenlit Rodríguez to represent Cuba as a reliever in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. His contract secures $5 million in 2026 and $6 million in 2027, with options for 2028, making his situation with the organization of significant interest both athletically and financially.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yariel Rodríguez's Return to MLB
Why was Yariel Rodríguez removed from the 40-man roster?
Despite a strong season as a reliever, Yariel Rodríguez was removed from Toronto's 40-man roster in December 2025 due to strategic decisions made by the team. He was designated for assignment and ultimately returned to the organization unclaimed.
What improvements did Rodríguez make in the minors?
While in Triple-A, Rodríguez developed a new splitter that achieved a 40% swing-and-miss rate and a 21.7% swinging strike rate, enhancing his pitching arsenal significantly.
How did Rodríguez perform in the 2025 MLB season?
In 2025, Rodríguez was an integral part of Toronto's bullpen, with a 3.08 ERA and 66 strikeouts over 73 innings. However, he faced challenges in the playoffs, recording a 10.13 ERA in four appearances.