Blue Jays reliever Erik Swanson has MRI for elbow discomfort

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Erik Swanson had an MRI on his right elbow after experiencing discomfort during a bullpen session, Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling reports.

Toronto is still waiting for results, but Swanson is not throwing and is expected to start the season on the injured list.

Swanson had been dealing with forearm fatigue back in January, which delayed his start to spring training.

The 31-year-old posted a 5.03 ERA over 39.1 innings for the Blue Jays in 2024, and was demoted to triple-A in late May because of his early-season struggles. Upon his return, however, he posted a 2.55 ERA over his final 24.2 innings.

Swanson agreed to a one-year, $3-million deal back in November.

Meanwhile, shortstop prospect Josh Kasevich is also dealing with a stress reaction in his lower back that will sideline him for multiple weeks. It is a pre-existing injury for Kasevich, which he aggravated last weekend against the Atlanta Braves, according to manager John Schneider.