The Toronto Blue Jays had been already dealing with an uphill battle within the AL East.
The Blue Jays are in what will be the most tough division within the majors. Regardless of a proficient roster, the Blue Jays must battle the Yankees, Rays, and Orioles. We had projected the Blue Jays to complete fourth within the division whereas contending for a Wild Card berth.
These hopes might have taken a critical blow on Tuesday. Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reported that relievers Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson underwent MRIs lately. Neither pitcher reveals harm or structural injury and can relaxation for the subsequent few days.
Shedding both pitcher for a major size of time could be devastating for the Blue Jays probabilities. Romano, a two-time All-Star, has established himself as one of many higher closers within the recreation. He posted a 2.90 ERA and a 1.220 WHiP over his 59 innings in 2023, notching 36 saves whereas placing out 72 batters. His presence has solidified the ninth inning in Toronto and has been a key a part of their success.
Swanson had already missed time earlier in spring coaching. His four-year-old son was struck by a automotive in February and was in intensive care at Johns Hopkins All Kids’s Hospital in Clearwater, FL. Fortuitously, his son has recovered from the accident. On the diamond, Swanson is considered as the subsequent in line ought to something occur to Romano. He had posted a 2.97 ERA and a 1.095 WHiP over his 66.2 innings, placing out 75 batters with 21 walks.
The Blue Jays do produce other potential choices ought to Romano and/or Swanson be sidelined. Ought to that be the case, Yimi Garcia would possible take over within the ninth inning. Whereas he does have some expertise as a more in-depth, notching 15 saves with the Marlins in 2021 earlier than being traded to the Astros, he would mark a major downgrade. Likewise, the center of the bullpen would get weaker, an issue in a division that includes a number of the finest lineups within the recreation.
The Blue Jays might have dodged a bullet with accidents to relievers Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson. It’s a reminder of how wonderful of a line the Blue Jays should stroll in what will be the hardest division within the majors.
