Blue Jays Moves: Swanson Designated and Francis to the Injured List
Toronto, the Blue Jays, have made significant moves on their roster, including the designation of veteran reliever Erik Swanson for assignment and the placement of pitcher Bowden Francis on the 15-day injured list.
The Blue Jays called up right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz from Triple-A Buffalo and selected left-hander Justin Bruihl from the Bisons to cover the absences.
Erik Swanson struggled in his last appearances, allowing seven earned runs in 1 1/3 innings in two games against Philadelphia. His ERA has been high since he returned from the 60-day injured list on June 1. Swanson started the season on the injured list due to a nerve issue in his arm.
Bowden Francis, for his part, has had a complicated season, without victories since April 18 against Seattle. His stint on the injured list is retroactive to June 15.
Francis was close to throwing no-hitters on two occasions in 2024, losing both opportunities due to home runs in the ninth inning.
Swanson, in his season with Toronto, had a 2-2 record with an ERA of 5.03 in 45 games. This season has been especially challenging for Swanson, marked by an incident in which his son was hit by a car during spring training. Swanson began the season on the injured list due to forearm discomfort and was sent to Triple-A before returning to the Blue Jays in July.
In 2023, Swanson went 4-2 with four saves and an ERA of 2.97 in his first season with Toronto, after being acquired from Seattle in a trade that sent Teoscar Hernández to the Mariners.
Swanson will be eligible for free agency after the 2025 World Series.
