Erik Swanson DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson (forearm) threw his first bullpen session on Friday since receiving a cortisone injection. Swanson opened the campaign on the 15-day injured list due to carpal tunnel syndrome in his right forearm. While he is still several weeks away from a return, this is a good sign to see him throwing on the mound. Last season, Swanson was only able to log 39 1/3 innings of work and held a high 5.03 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP. However, during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, Swanson was a valuable high-leverage option in the bullpen. In 2022, Swanson enjoyed a career season, posting a stellar 1.68 ERA and 0.90 WHIP while tallying 14 holds. In 2023, Swanson tallied 29 holds across 66 2/3 innings of work. When healthy, he will be a viable target in leagues that reward holds.

Toronto 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.

Toronto 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.

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson (forearm) will likely open the season on the injured list. Swanson felt discomfort in his right elbow after throwing a bullpen and is set to undergo an MRI. Even though the team is still waiting for the results, the reliever is expected to open the season on the IL. Last season, Swanson posted a 5.03 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP across 39 1/3 innings of work. He tallied just 37 punchouts and served up walks at a modest 8.3 percent rate. However, during the 2023 campaign, Swanson was a dominant piece in the Toronto bullpen as he held a 2.97 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. Across 66 2/3 innings, he tallied 75 punchouts and earned a career-high 29 holds while operating as the primary setup man. While Swanson is sidelined early in the campaign, fantasy managers should expect Yimi Garcia and Chad Green to be the setup options while Jeff Hoffman sees most of the save opportunities.

Toronto 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.