Blue Jays relievers Romano, Swanson likely to start on IL. Gausman throws well in return

By: The Associated Press Posted: 1:02 AM CDT Tuesday, Mar. 26, 2024

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays relievers Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson are expected to begin the season on the injured list in a significant blow to the back end of the team's bullpen.

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BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays relievers Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson are expected to begin the season on the injured list in a significant blow to the back end of the team's bullpen.

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This article was published 26/03/2024 (578 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays relievers Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson are expected to begin the season on the injured list in a significant blow to the back end of the team’s bullpen.

Romano, an All-Star closer, has been dealing with right elbow inflammation. Swanson, a top setup man, was slowed by right forearm inflammation.

With opening day coming up Thursday at Tampa Bay, manager John Schneider told reporters in Florida it’s “reasonable to say” that Romano and Swanson probably will start on the IL.

FILE - Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Erik Swanson walks to the dugout during a pitching change in the seventh inning of Game 2 of an AL wild-card baseball playoff series against the Minnesota Twins, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Minneapolis. Swanson has left the team to be with his family after his son, Toby, was hit by a car Sunday., Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)

Toronto did get an encouraging performance from No. 1 starter Kevin Gausman, who pitched three strong innings Monday against Pittsburgh in his Grapefruit League debut.

The right-hander, who had been sidelined by shoulder fatigue, struck out seven and walked none in the Blue Jays’ spring training finale. He allowed one run and three hits.

It’s possible that Gausman, a two-time All-Star who finished third in AL Cy Young Award voting last year and led the league with 237 strikeouts, could begin the season in the rotation rather than on the IL.

Romano saved 36 games each of the past two seasons and made the All-Star team both years. He was 5-7 with a 2.90 ERA and 72 strikeouts over 59 innings in 2023.

Swanson went 4-2 with a 2.97 ERA and a team-high 29 holds to go with four saves in 69 appearances.