Erik Swanson's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Relief pitcher Erik Swanson and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed on a one-year contract to avoid arbitration, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Swanson struggled last season as he posted a rough 5.03 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 frames. In 2023, Swanson was one of the top options in the Toronto bullpen, and carried a strong 2.97 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. This past summer, Swanson saw his hard-hit rate jump up ten points and barrel rate double compared to his 2023 production. In addition, he saw his K rate drop by six points. Even though he struggled in 2024, fantasy managers in holds leagues should consider targeting Swanson late in drafts this offseason, as he will likely return to his typical eighth-inning role.

The Toronto Blue Jays activated right-hander Yimi Garcia (elbow) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and optioned pitcher Zach Pop to Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. The Blue Jays also recalled right-hander Erik Swanson from Buffalo. Garcia will return to Toronto's bullpen after being sidelined since the middle of June with right-elbow neuritis, and the 33-year-old veteran also had a setback along the way due to some neck stiffness while on his minor-league rehab assignment. Now that he's back, Garcia should have a chance for saves with regular closer Jordan Romano (elbow) potentially out for the rest of the season. Garcia's primary competition for saves will be veteran right-hander Chad Green. Swanson had an ERA north of 9.00 in 17 appearances out of Toronto's bullpen earlier this year and struggled initially at Buffalo, but he's back in the bigs now and could become an option for fantasy managers in holds leagues by the end of the year.

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Erik Swanson (illness) was removed while warming up to pitch for Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday due to "heat-related illness symptoms." However, it's considered a minor issue and he's day-to-day. Swanson's last two outings for the Bisons have been strong, and the Blue Jays have considering calling him up to the majors in the near-term. The 30-year-old was sent to the minors earlier this year after allowing 14 earned runs on 20 hits (five homers) while striking out 10 and walking four in just 13 2/3 innings in Toronto. He was just as bad early on with Buffalo but has looked better of late and looks likely to get another shot in the big-league bullpen either just before the All-Star break or just after it.