Blue Jays place Bowden Francis on 15-day IL, designate Erik Swanson for assignment

Francis’ IL stint officially marks his departure from the Blue Jays’ starting rotation, meaning they’ll have to find someone to fill his spot on Friday versus the Chicago White Sox. Manager John Schneider had previously stated that he wouldn’t lose his starting role despite failing to correct his season-long woes.

In 14 starts this season, the 29-year-old has struggled to a 6.05 ERA and 6.79 FIP across 64 innings, surrendering the second-most home runs (19) of any major league pitcher, trailing only Tampa Bay’s Zack Littell (21). He’s posted the lowest strikeout rate (18.8 per cent) and highest walk rate (9.4 per cent) of his career, accounting for minus-1.0 fWAR — also a career-worst.

Toronto has been piecing together two-fifths of its starting rotation for the past few weeks — and doing so quite effectively, thanks to the emergence of Eric Lauer and the bullpen’s remarkable performance. With Max Scherzer potentially nearing a return, the 40-year-old could soon become an option for one of those spots, as could Adam Macko once he logs a few more outings in triple-A.

In the meantime, though, Toronto will likely continue to lean on Lauer while ducktapping its way through Francis’ next start with a combination of Spencer Turnbull and Schultz.

Shifting to the bullpen, cutting ties with Swanson probably shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given his results since returning from a season-opening IL stint. He had allowed nine runs (all earned) on eight hits — including two home runs — and five walks while only recording three strikeouts in six relief appearances.

But he was someone who projected as a high-leverage arm at the back end of the ‘pen heading into 2025 after avoiding arbitration with a one-year extension worth $3 million last winter.

Swanson, scheduled to become a free agent this off-season, was acquired along with Macko in a trade from the Seattle Mariners following the 2022 season.

Reinforcements are on the way for the Blue Jays’ bullpen, with Nick Sandlin rehabbing in Buffalo and Yimi García and Ryan Burr recovering from shoulder injuries in Dunedin. Due to the success stories of Mason Fluharty and Braydon Fisher, the Blue Jays needed to make a tough call on Swason — something they may have to do with Chad Green as bodies return from the IL.

Still, potentially losing Swanson via waivers is a considerable blow to Toronto’s bullpen depth. While the emergence of Yariel Rodríguez has plugged a hole at the back end, they’re still lacking a bit of depth in that area.

With the July 31 trade deadline around the corner, chances are the front office will be targeting an impact hurler — as most playoff contenders do this time of year — who can help bridge the gap to closer Jeff Hoffman.