'It's Unfortunate': Blue Jays Get Concerning News On Erik Swanson

The Toronto Blue Jays received some concerning news regarding reliever Erik Swanson, who has been shut down from throwing after experiencing right elbow discomfort during a bullpen session. 

According to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling, Swanson underwent an MRI, and while the team is still awaiting results, he is expected to start the season on the injured list. 

This comes after the right-hander dealt with forearm fatigue in January, which already delayed his spring training routine. Swanson, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal in November, was hoping to bounce back after an inconsistent 2024 season.

Blue Jays reliever Erik Swanson experienced right elbow discomfort following a bullpen this week. He’s been sent for an MRI; club still awaiting results.

Swanson isn’t throwing for the time being and will likely begin season on the IL

— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) March 7, 2025

Last year, Swanson struggled early, posting a 5.03 ERA over 39.1 innings, which led to a demotion to Triple-A in late May. 

However, he showed improvement upon his return, recording a 2.55 ERA in his final 24.2 innings. The Blue Jays had been counting on him to be a key part of their bullpen after losing Jordan Romano and Génesis Cabrera this offseason. 

“It’s unfortunate timing,” said manager John Schneider, acknowledging the injury. “We were hoping he’d build off how he finished last year.” With Swanson sidelined, Jeff Hoffman and Yimi García are expected to take on bigger roles in late-inning situations.

Erik Swanson missing any amount of time could really hurt the #BlueJays’ bullpen.

A healthy Swanson, in my eyes, would be a very important back-end reliever.

They’ve added a ton of depth, but replacing Swanson’s role requires some high-leverage upside, not just depth.

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 7, 2025

In addition to bolstering the bullpen with Hoffman, García, and Nick Sandlin, the Blue Jays made other key offseason moves, signing Anthony Santander and trading for Gold Glove second baseman Andrés Giménez. 

The team is looking to improve after finishing last in the AL East with a 74-88 record in 2024. While Swanson’s absence is a blow to the bullpen, Schneider remains optimistic. “We’ve got depth, and we’ll adjust,” he said. 

The Blue Jays open their season on March 27, and depending on Swanson’s MRI results, they may need to explore other bullpen options sooner rather than later.

Photo Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images