It’s always concerning when a pitcher has elbow issues, especially since this is the second consecutive spring Swanson has faced health problems. Last year, he initially left the team after his son was hit by a car.
Blue Jays reliever Erik Swanson has been sidelined with elbow discomfort and is scheduled for an MRI, according to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling. The upcoming tests will provide more clarity on the situation, but Zwelling notes that Swanson will likely begin the season on the injured list.
It’s always concerning when a pitcher has elbow issues, especially since this is the second consecutive spring Swanson has faced health problems. Last year, he initially left the team after his son was hit by a car. Once his son recovered, Swanson dealt with forearm tightness during spring training. Although an MRI revealed no structural damage, he still started the season on the injured list.
Swanson returned in mid-April but struggled, giving up 14 earned runs in 13 2/3 innings by the end of May and was sent down to Triple-A. However, he bounced back after being recalled in late June, posting a 2.81 ERA over his final 25 2/3 innings.
Swanson joined the Blue Jays as part of the Teoscar Hernández trade in 2023 and posted a 2.97 ERA in his first season with the team. He struck out 28.6% of the batters he faced while walking 8%, earning 29 holds and four saves. He was expected to be a key piece of the bullpen in 2024, but early injuries and struggles derailed that plan. He finished strong, though, giving hope for 2025—until this recent elbow issue raised fresh concerns.
The Blue Jays bullpen will have a different look in 2025 compared to last year. Former closer Jordan Romano was non-tendered after dealing with major injury issues, while Génesis Cabrera, last year’s relief innings leader, opted for free agency. Trevor Richards and Nate Pearson were traded at the deadline.
To bolster the bullpen, the Jays signed Jeff Hoffman, re-signed Yimi García, and acquired Nick Sandlin in the Andrés Giménez trade. These three, along with Chad Green, are expected to handle the bulk of high-leverage situations. Swanson would have been part of that group, but his availability is now uncertain pending the MRI results.
If Swanson misses time, the Jays will need to fill his spot. Assuming Yariel Rodríguez takes on a long-relief role, the team will have three bullpen slots alongside Hoffman, Green, García, and Sandlin. The Jays might lean toward adding a lefty, with options including Brendon Little, Josh Walker, and Easton Lucas on the 40-man roster. Non-roster invitee Richard Lovelady is also in the mix. Right-handers Tommy Nance, Zach Pop, Ryan Burr, and Nick Robertson could also be considered. Zwelling mentions pitchers impressing in camp, such as NRIs Kevin Gowdy and Braydon Fisher, as potential candidates.
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