Purcey made his major league debut on April 18, 2008, starting against the Detroit Tigers and allowing one earned run over 4+1⁄3 innings.[4] He was returned to the minor leagues after two major league appearances, but was recalled to the Blue Jays in July, and ended the 2008 season in the team's starting rotation. On August 27, 2008, Purcey started against the Tampa Bay Rays and pitched his first career major league complete game. He recorded 11 strikeouts and scattered five hits through eight innings of work.[5]
Following spring training 2009, Purcey earned the third spot in the rotation, but switched spots with Jesse Litsch to separate the left-handers.[6] Purcey was second in the rotation until May 1, 2009, when he was assigned to the Toronto Blue Jays AAA affiliate Las Vegas 51s. Purcey went on to split the remainder of the season between the Blue Jays and Las Vegas. He posted a record of 1–3 and a 6.19 ERA in nine starts with Toronto in 2009.[3] He often struggled with his command, which improved somewhat with Las Vegas.
On May 24, 2010, Purcey was recalled by Toronto and moved to the bullpen as a relief pitcher after Dana Eveland was designated for assignment.[7] On July 26, 2010, Purcey recorded his first major league save against the Baltimore Orioles in a 9–5 win.[8]
He was designated for assignment on April 12, 2011.
On May 27, 2011, Purcey was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Scott Sizemore.[11] Purcey was designated for assignment on August 2, he cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens on August 10 .[12] He elected free agency following the season on November 2.
Philadelphia Phillies
On December 9, 2011, Purcey signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. He also received an invitation to spring training.[13] Purcey spent the year with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, going 1–4 with a 4.37 ERA in 47 games (one start) while striking out 63 in 57.2 innings pitched.[14] He became a free agent following the season on November 2.
Chicago White Sox
On November 21, 2012, Purcey signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox.[15] He started the 2013 season with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. On July 3, 2013, his contract was purchased by the White Sox to replace Jesse Crain who was placed on the disabled list.[16] While with the White Sox, Purcey suffered a strained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow during the last week of the 2013 season. He was outrighted to Charlotte on October 18, 2013.[17]
The White Sox signed Purcey to a minor league contract with spring training invitation on November 8, 2013.[18] On May 12, 2014, Purcey was released by the White Sox.[19]
Somerset Patriots
On July 18, 2014, Purcey signed with the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He became a free agent following the season. He appeared in 9 games (7 starts) 39.2 innings going 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA with 36 strikeouts.
