? Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Blue Jays reliever Zach Pop shut down for 7-10 days due to elbow discomfort

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation
By Tyson Shushkewich | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 9:48 AM ET

According to the Blue Jays beat writers, the Toronto Blue Jays are shutting down reliever Zach Pop for 7-10 days after the Canadian felt some elbow discomfort earlier this spring. An MRI revealed no structural damage but the inflammation is sending Pop to the sidelines with Opening Day just a week away.

The Brampton, Ont. product is vying for a spot in the bullpen for Opening Day after splitting the past three seasons between the big leagues and the minors. Pop featured in a career-high 58 games last season after injuries plagued the bullpen and some core members were traded at the deadline and posted a 5.59 ERA through 48 1/3 innings. While his sinker features strong movement, the right-hander has struggled with his control at times and has seen his walk rate climb to 4.0 BB/9 and 3.5 BB/9 in 2023 and 2024, respectively. He authored a 5.52 FIP with nine home runs allowed on the season and finished the year with a 1.324 WHIP.

This spring, Pop has featured in seven games and has allowed 10 hits and four earned runs through 6 2/3 innings while striking out eight and walking two. He last pitched on March 17th against the Phillies, where he allowed two hits, a walk, and two earned runs through 2/3 of an inning.

Zach Pop had some elbow discomfort recently and while the MRI showed no structural damage, there was some inflammation and he'll shut down from throwing for 7-10 days.

On top of Swanson, that adds to the need for bullpen depth to step up early in 2025. #BlueJays

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 20, 2025

Pop enters this spring out of options and needed to break camp with the Blue Jays to avoid being DFA’d, although he now will likely start the season on the IL.

The Jays pitching depth is getting tested early, as starter Max Scherzer is dealing with a thumb issue and may not be ready to go for Opening Day while fellow reliever Erik Swanson is dealing with some elbow issues as well, although he is avoiding major surgery at this time. He too may not be ready to go for Opening Day.

With Pop likely heading to the IL, the Blue Jays bullpen depth will be tested early, especially if Swanson is also unable to go. Pitchers the Jays could call on include Richard Lovelady, Nick Robertson, Tommy Nance, Dillon Tate, Josh Walker, Ryan Yarbrough, and Mason Fluahrty (both he and Yarborugh need a 40-man roster spot) while depth option Ryan Burr is also dealing with a shoulder fatigue issue at this time.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: