4 weeks agoToronto Blue Jays right-hander
Erik Swanson (forearm) has been diagnosed with a "median nerve entrapment" in his right forearm. His MRI exam showed no structural damage, but he received a cortisone injection and will back off from throwing for a couple of days. There's no timetable for when the 31-year-old veteran will be cleared to pitch in games again, but all things considered, it's positive news. He is fully expected to begin the regular season on the injured list, but perhaps Swanson will be able to make his 2025 debut at some point in April if he can resume throwing sooner than later. Swanson had a disappointing 5.03 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 37:14 K:BB in 39 1/3 relief innings in 2024 in his second year in Toronto and was even sent to the minors for a bit. He had a 2.60 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with eight saves in three prior seasons, though, so if he can get healthy, he could easily bounce back as a late-inning setup man for Toronto.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
4 weeks agoToronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever
Erik Swanson (elbow, forearm), who has been dealing with elbow and forearm discomfort in camp, has an in-person meeting with Dr. Keith Meister in Texas on Thursday. Manager John Schneider said Swanson is going to see Meister due to the issues "being a little bit of a recurring theme. Wanting to nail down exactly what's going on and get that opinion on it." The team will have more information on Swanson later this week, but as things currently stand, it would be a surprise if the 31-year-old veteran was ready or Opening Day in a few weeks. Swanson was sent to the minors at one point last season and finished with an ugly 5.03 ERA (6.06 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, 37 strikeouts and 14 walks in 39 1/3 relief innings for Toronto in his second season with the team. He should be able to rebound in 2025, but he's going to need to get healthy first.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
2 months agoToronto Blue Jays relief pitcher
Erik Swanson (forearm) threw 10 pitches off the mound earlier this week. Swanson is recovering from right forearm fatigue and is slightly behind schedule. However, seeing him return to the mound is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout spring training. Last season, the 31-year-old posted a high 5.03 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 innings. He tallied just 37 strikeouts and served up walks at a modest 8.3 percent rate. However, Swanson was an effective high-leverage option during the 2023 campaign, holding a 2.97 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 66 2/3 innings. He tallied a strong 75 punchouts with just 21 free passes. If healthy, fantasy managers should expect Swanson to have a high-leverage role in 2025 and would be a viable target in holds leagues.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 months agoToronto Blue Jays right-hander
Erik Swanson (forearm) experienced right-forearm fatigue last month and is "going to be a little bit behind" in spring training, according to manager John Schneider. Swanson is currently throwing at 120 feet, though, and still has a chance to be ready for Opening Day in late March. The 31-year-old struggled early on in 2024 and was sent to the minors briefly. Overall, the former Seattle Mariners hurler posted an elevated 5.03 ERA (6.06 FIP) and 1.27 WHIP with 37 strikeouts, nine holds and 14 walks in 39 1/3 innings over 45 relief appearances in his second year in Toronto. Swanson averaged a 31% strikeout rate and solid 6.6% walk rate the previous two seasons, so there is bounce-back potential for him in 2025 if he's healthy. He's unlikely to see save chances if both
Jeff Hoffman and
Chad Green are healthy, but he should once again be in line to pick up some holds.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Sportsnet.ca - Shi Davidi
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