Blue Jays Receive Exciting News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Michael G. DeFrancisco | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 1:17 AM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have had a good start to the season this far. They currently stand at 12-8 after defeating the Seattle Mariners on Friday, and are one game behind the New York Yankees for the lead in the American League East division.

Expectations are high in Toronto this season, and many jobs may be in jeopardy if the Blue Jays are not able to make noise in the playoffs. To do so, their bullpen will need to continue to close out tough games against quality opponents. And it appears they may have some reinforcements arriving soon that will help them do that.

Per a report from MLB.com's Keegan Matheson, reliever Erik Swanson is nearing a return.

“Good news in the bullpen: Erik Swanson will throw a sim game tomorrow, then likely move into a rehab assignment," he wrote. "Let’s loosely call that 'a couple weeks away' if all goes well. A healthy Swanson will be a major addition to this bullpen."

Good news in the bullpen: Erik Swanson will throw a sim game tomorrow, then likely move into a rehab assignment.

Let’s loosely call that “a couple weeks away” if all goes well. A healthy Swanson will be a major addition to this bullpen. #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) April 18, 2025

Swanson will be a nice addition to a solid Blue Jays bullpen. As of Friday, their bullpen ranks 13th with a 3.48 ERA. The 31-year-old pitched just 39.1 innings in Toronto last season. However, in 2023, he pitched 66.2 innings with a 2.97 ERA and 1.095 WHIP.

Swanson's arsenal features a 4-seam fastball, a splitter, and a slider. His velocity is near league average, but his extension on the mound is well above average with his height of 6-foot-3.

The Blue Jays hope Swanson will be ready for Major League game action in the early parts of May.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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