Toronto Blue Jays relievers Erik Swanson and Jordan Romano will begin the season on the injured list, manager John Schneider announced at the team’s workout Wednesday.
Schneider also announced that Alek Manoah is “likely” to begin the year on the IL, as well.
Romano has been dealing with elbow inflammation and only returned to throwing over the weekend. He had an MRI last week which revealed no structural damage. He got an anti-inflammatory injection and was initially shut down for three days.
The 30-year-old closer tied a career-high with 36 saves in 2023, pitching to a 2.90 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 59 appearances.
Swanson has been working back from forearm tightness. He started playing catch after suffering the injury last Thursday. He appeared in just two Grapefruit League games after missing the beginning of camp to care for his son, who was hit by a car.
In 2023, Swanson was one of Toronto’s most reliable relievers, posting a 2.97 ERA and striking out 75 hitters over 66.2 innings of work.
“They’re still throwing and kind of building up,” Schneider said, adding there was no set date for either to throw off a mound. “Nothing really new to report for those two guys.”
Manoah had been dealing with shoulder soreness and some inflammation this spring training, only appearing in one Grapefruit League game.
He threw a simulated game earlier Wednesday, throwing 34 pitches over two innings, Schneider said.
“I think you look at today, then from today assuming all goes well, next time out add on some more pitches in hopefully a more competitive game environment,” Schneider said of Manoah’s next steps.
Schneider confirmed that right-handers Wes Parsons and Nate Pearson had both made the Opening Day roster.
The Blue Jays open the regular season Thursday in Tampa Bay with Jose Berrios starting against Zach Eflin and the Rays. You can catch all the action on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 4 p.m. ET and 1 p.m. PT.
