The Blue Jays have released pitcher Tanner Andrews, who is now a free agent. It's another depth move as Toronto reshapes its pitching staff this week.

Andrews was one of several pitchers who made their big-league debuts with the Jays in 2026. Injuries opened the door for a long list of first-timers.

That group included Ricky Tiedemann, CJ Van Eyk, Chad Dallas, José Rodriguez and Brendan Cellucci, along with position players like Brett Bateman and Charles McAdoo.

Andrews wasn't on Toronto's 40-man roster, so the move doesn't open a big-league spot. It does clear room in the organization's pitching pipeline.

The timing fits. Minor league free agency opened Monday, and clubs across baseball are sorting through depth before shopping for replacements.

Is this a significant loss? Not on paper.

Tanner Andrews' release continues a busy week of Blue Jays housekeeping

It's been a week of cleanup. Van Eyk cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A, and Rudy Martin Jr. elected free agency after his own outright.

Seven players were also reinstated from the 60-day IL, including José Berrios, Bowden Francis and Cody Ponce.

Moves like this rarely make headlines, but they matter. Toronto used 16 starters in 2026, and the next wave of depth arms needs to be better than the last.

It's like clearing out a pantry before a big grocery run. Some of what goes out was fine, it just isn't what you need next.

Minor league free agency is also where the Jays found Nathan Lukes. Ross Atkins' staff will be hunting for the next under-the-radar arm.

For the pitcher, the open market brings a fresh shot. Big-league time on a résumé tends to help land another minor league deal.

The Jays still have Rule 5 protection decisions due Nov. 17. Nolan Perry, Gage Stanifer and Daniel Guerra all need a closer look.

Andrews' Toronto chapter is over after a brief taste of the majors. The real question is who takes his spot on the depth chart, and whether that arm can answer the call when injuries hit again.