Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson (forearm) threw his first bullpen session on Friday since receiving a cortisone injection. Swanson opened the campaign on the 15-day injured list due to carpal tunnel syndrome in his right forearm. While he is still several weeks away from a return, this is a good sign to see him throwing on the mound. Last season, Swanson was only able to log 39 1/3 innings of work and held a high 5.03 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP. However, during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, Swanson was a valuable high-leverage option in the bullpen. In 2022, Swanson enjoyed a career season, posting a stellar 1.68 ERA and 0.90 WHIP while tallying 14 holds. In 2023, Swanson tallied 29 holds across 66 2/3 innings of work. When healthy, he will be a viable target in leagues that reward holds.

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Erik Swanson (forearm) has been diagnosed with a "median nerve entrapment" in his right forearm. His MRI exam showed no structural damage, but he received a cortisone injection and will back off from throwing for a couple of days. There's no timetable for when the 31-year-old veteran will be cleared to pitch in games again, but all things considered, it's positive news. He is fully expected to begin the regular season on the injured list, but perhaps Swanson will be able to make his 2025 debut at some point in April if he can resume throwing sooner than later. Swanson had a disappointing 5.03 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 37:14 K:BB in 39 1/3 relief innings in 2024 in his second year in Toronto and was even sent to the minors for a bit. He had a 2.60 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with eight saves in three prior seasons, though, so if he can get healthy, he could easily bounce back as a late-inning setup man for Toronto.

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Erik Swanson (elbow, forearm), who has been dealing with elbow and forearm discomfort in camp, has an in-person meeting with Dr. Keith Meister in Texas on Thursday. Manager John Schneider said Swanson is going to see Meister due to the issues "being a little bit of a recurring theme. Wanting to nail down exactly what's going on and get that opinion on it." The team will have more information on Swanson later this week, but as things currently stand, it would be a surprise if the 31-year-old veteran was ready or Opening Day in a few weeks. Swanson was sent to the minors at one point last season and finished with an ugly 5.03 ERA (6.06 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, 37 strikeouts and 14 walks in 39 1/3 relief innings for Toronto in his second season with the team. He should be able to rebound in 2025, but he's going to need to get healthy first.

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson (forearm) will likely open the season on the injured list. Swanson felt discomfort in his right elbow after throwing a bullpen and is set to undergo an MRI. Even though the team is still waiting for the results, the reliever is expected to open the season on the IL. Last season, Swanson posted a 5.03 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 innings of work. He tallied just 37 punchouts and served up walks at a modest 8.3 percent rate. However, during the 2023 campaign, Swanson was a dominant piece in the Toronto bullpen as he held a 2.97 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. Across 66 2/3 innings, he tallied 75 punchouts and earned a career-high 29 holds while operating as the primary setup man. While Swanson is sidelined early in the campaign, fantasy managers should expect Yimi Garcia and Chad Green to be the setup options while Jeff Hoffman sees most of the save opportunities.

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson (forearm) threw 10 pitches off the mound earlier this week. Swanson is recovering from right forearm fatigue and is slightly behind schedule. However, seeing him return to the mound is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout spring training. Last season, the 31-year-old posted a high 5.03 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 innings. He tallied just 37 strikeouts and served up walks at a modest 8.3 percent rate. However, Swanson was an effective high-leverage option during the 2023 campaign, holding a 2.97 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 66 2/3 innings. He tallied a strong 75 punchouts with just 21 free passes. If healthy, fantasy managers should expect Swanson to have a high-leverage role in 2025 and would be a viable target in holds leagues.

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Erik Swanson (forearm) experienced right-forearm fatigue last month and is "going to be a little bit behind" in spring training, according to manager John Schneider. Swanson is currently throwing at 120 feet, though, and still has a chance to be ready for Opening Day in late March. The 31-year-old struggled early on in 2024 and was sent to the minors briefly. Overall, the former Seattle Mariners hurler posted an elevated 5.03 ERA (6.06 FIP) and 1.27 WHIP with 37 strikeouts, nine holds and 14 walks in 39 1/3 innings over 45 relief appearances in his second year in Toronto. Swanson averaged a 31% strikeout rate and solid 6.6% walk rate the previous two seasons, so there is bounce-back potential for him in 2025 if he's healthy. He's unlikely to see save chances if both Jeff Hoffman and Chad Green are healthy, but he should once again be in line to pick up some holds.

Relief pitcher Erik Swanson and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed on a one-year contract to avoid arbitration, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Swanson struggled last season as he posted a rough 5.03 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 frames. In 2023, Swanson was one of the top options in the Toronto bullpen, and carried a strong 2.97 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. This past summer, Swanson saw his hard-hit rate jump up ten points and barrel rate double compared to his 2023 production. In addition, he saw his K rate drop by six points. Even though he struggled in 2024, fantasy managers in holds leagues should consider targeting Swanson late in drafts this offseason, as he will likely return to his typical eighth-inning role.

The Toronto Blue Jays activated right-hander Yimi Garcia (elbow) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and optioned pitcher Zach Pop to Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. The Blue Jays also recalled right-hander Erik Swanson from Buffalo. Garcia will return to Toronto's bullpen after being sidelined since the middle of June with right-elbow neuritis, and the 33-year-old veteran also had a setback along the way due to some neck stiffness while on his minor-league rehab assignment. Now that he's back, Garcia should have a chance for saves with regular closer Jordan Romano (elbow) potentially out for the rest of the season. Garcia's primary competition for saves will be veteran right-hander Chad Green. Swanson had an ERA north of 9.00 in 17 appearances out of Toronto's bullpen earlier this year and struggled initially at Buffalo, but he's back in the bigs now and could become an option for fantasy managers in holds leagues by the end of the year.

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Erik Swanson (illness) was removed while warming up to pitch for Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday due to "heat-related illness symptoms." However, it's considered a minor issue and he's day-to-day. Swanson's last two outings for the Bisons have been strong, and the Blue Jays have considering calling him up to the majors in the near-term. The 30-year-old was sent to the minors earlier this year after allowing 14 earned runs on 20 hits (five homers) while striking out 10 and walking four in just 13 2/3 innings in Toronto. He was just as bad early on with Buffalo but has looked better of late and looks likely to get another shot in the big-league bullpen either just before the All-Star break or just after it.

The Toronto Blue Jays reinstated right-hander Chad Green (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday and optioned right-hander Erik Swanson to Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. Green will be available out of the bullpen for Toronto for Tuesday night's game in Chicago against the White Sox for the first time since being put on the injured list in mid-April with a right-shoulder strain. The 33-year-old veteran tossed three scoreless innings on a minor-league rehab start with Buffalo and should be ready to immediately jump into his late-inning setup role in front of closer Jordan Romano. Green is valuable in holds leagues and as a handcuff to Romano. Swanson has come apart in 2024 and will look for answers on the farm. The 30-year-old has allowed 14 earned runs on 20 hits (five homers) while walking four and fanning 10 in 13 2/3 relief innings in 2024.

The Toronto Blue Jays officially activated right-handed relievers Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday and optioned right-hander Nate Pearson to Triple-A Buffalo and designated right-hander Mitch White for assignment. Romano and Swanson came out of their short minor-league rehab assignments healthy and are ready to make their 2024 debuts with Toronto at the back end of their bullpen. While the 30-year-old Romano could be eased into his regular closer role, fantasy managers should be ready to throw him right into their starting lineups in season-long leagues after he recorded 36 saves in each of the last two seasons for the Blue Jays. Swanson has fantasy appeal as well in holds leagues and as a handcuff to Romano for his late-inning setup role.

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitchers Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) are likely to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday. Both Romano and Swanson have completed their minor-league rehab assignments and are ready to make their 2024 debuts in the big leagues this week. The Blue Jays could decide to ease the 30-year-old Romano into closing duties when he's back, but he should be rostered already in all fantasy formats. With Romano and Swanson injured, Chad Green has picked up two saves, while Yimi Garcia has one early in the season. Swanson probably isn't going to many save chances in 2024 as long as Romano stays healthy the rest of the way, but he'll be a key late-inning setup man and will have value in fantasy in holds leagues.

Toronto Blue Jays relievers Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson are both close to returning to game action, giving the club their two best relievers back and solidifying the eighth and ninth innings. Both right-handers have been sidelined by elbow issues as Romano said before Sunday's 5-0 win over the Rockies that he's feeling good after throwing 2/3 of an inning at Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday and doesn't feel that he needs a third rehab outing before returning to the club's bullpen. Swanson has pronounced himself ready for a return after pitching for Buffalo on Thursday and Saturday. Of course, Romano is a big-time asset to fantasy managers upon his return with 72 saves over the last two seasons while Swanson is valued in leagues that reward holds with 29 of those last season alongside his 2.97 ERA.

Toronto Blue Jays relievers Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) are slated to pitch in Triple-A Buffalo's doubleheader tomorrow. Both pitchers struggled some in their most recent rehab appearance on Thursday and will look to improve on those outings. Should the outings go well, both relievers have a chance to join the Blue Jays roster and be taken off the injured list. Swanson's value as a setup man may carry more value to the Blue Jays than to fantasy managers. However, Romano should be rostered in all leagues with his return being close.

Toronto Blue Jays relievers Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) are both expected to pitch on Thursday with Triple-A Buffalo, and they should both be active soon after that as long as they don't suffer setbacks. Romano dealt with right-elbow inflammation in spring training and began the year on the injured list, but he's close to being ready to make his 2024 debut as Toronto's closer. Swanson is another key late-inning arm for the Blue Jays and should be one of the team's top setup men in front of Romano in the ninth inning again this year. Chad Green has been filling in as the team's closer with Romano and Swanson sidelined, but he'll go back to a setup role once Romano is activated. The 30-year-old Romano needs to be rostered in all fantasy leagues with his return imminent.

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson (forearm) began a minor-league rehab assignment on Sunday, throwing one clean inning for Single-A Dunedin. Swanson struck out two batters and threw 10 of his 11 pitches for strikes. Once Swanson gets one or two more appearances under his belt, he'll be ready to return to Toronto's bullpen. The 30-year-old right-hander had his spring training cut short after two appearances due to inflammation in his right elbow, but he should be activated from the 10-day injured list in mid-April. If he's available before star closer Jordan Romano (elbow), Swanson could be thrust into high-leverage situations right off the bat after earning a 2.97 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 75:21 K:BB over 66 innings a year ago. In the meantime, Chad Green and Yimi Garcia will form a committee for ninth-inning work for the Jays and remain worth holding in most fantasy leagues.

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano (elbow) threw his second bullpen session on Thursday, while reliever Erik Swanson (forearm) threw a live batting practice session, and both went well, according to manager John Schneider. Next up for Romano is a live batting practice session, and if that goes well, he'll go right into minor-league rehab games. Both Romano and Swanson are progressing from injuries they picked up in spring training and could be activated from the injured list sooner than later. Romano has proven to be one of the best fantasy closers in baseball over the past several seasons and shouldn't be available on any waiver wires. Until he's able to return, Chad Green figures to be first in line for save opportunities in Toronto, although Yimi Garcia could also be involved in the ninth-inning picture.

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Erik Swanson (forearm) threw a bullpen session on Monday and felt good, according to manager John Schneider. Swanson has been sidelined by a forearm issue recently that forced him to the injured list to begin the season. The injury is a tough blow, as Swanson could have been in line for closing duties with Jordan Romano sidelined by an elbow ailment. The 30-year-old has been fantastic of late, working to a 2.97 ERA across 69 appearances with the Blue Jays in 2023, his first season with the club, after dominating to the tune of a 1.68 ERA and a 29.1% K-BB% in 57 outings with the Seattle Mariners in 2022. He should be in line for closing duties if he can beat Romano back off the injured list.

Toronto Blue Jays relievers Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) will officially open the 2024 season on the injured list, according to manager John Schneider. As a result, Nate Pearson and Wes Parsons will open the year in Toronto's bullpen. Swanson has already resumed playing catch, while the Blue Jays hope Romano can begin throwing off a mound next week. Hopefully, both pitchers will be able to return in the middle of April, but there's no guarantee. Romano should be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues for the time being. With both Romano and Swanson on the shelf, the Blue Jays are expected to roll with a closer-by-committee approach, consisting of arms like Chad Green, Yimi Garcia and Tim Mayza.