The Toronto Blue Jays have recently been dealt a major blow to their bullpen.
On Saturday afternoon, right-hander Erik Swanson left the team’s game against the Cleveland Guardians in the top of the fifth inning with mid-back discomfort.
The Blue Jays were leading 5-3 at the time and ultimately pulled away with an 8-3 win over the Guardians.
However, they would have to piece together their bullpen after Swanson’s injury.
Sure enough, the Blue Jays got bad news on the young right-hander this morning.
Swanson will be placed on the 15-day injured list with thoracic spine inflammation.
On Twitter, Blue Jays insider Keegan Matheson revealed the news, as well as the corresponding move to replace the right-hander.
News: The #BlueJays have placed Erik Swanson on the 15-day IL with thoracic spine inflammation.
Jay Jackson is back up.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) August 27, 2023
Right-hander Jay Jackson has been recalled from Triple-A Buffalo.
He will replace Swanson in the Blue Jays bullpen for the time being.
Swanson is having a solid season with the Blue Jays this year.
The 29-year-old has appeared in 60 games for the Jays this season and owns a record of 3-2.
He has also posted a 3.10 ERA in 58 innings pitched while striking out 67 batters and posting a WHIP of 1.09.
For his career, Swanson owns a 3.85 ERA over 186 appearances.
The right-hander has been a reliable option out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays.
Fortunately, the Jays added a few key pieces to their bullpen at the trade deadline such as Jordan Hicks and Genesis Cabrera.
But losing Swanson certainly hurts the team as they try to put together a run and reach the postseason for the second straight year.
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