Reliever Erik Swanson released by Blue Jays after clearing waivers
The Toronto Blue Jays released reliever Erik Swanson after the right-hander cleared waivers, the team said Tuesday.
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Swanson was designated for assignment last week after posting a 15.19 ERA over six appearances this season.
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The 31-year-old native of Fargo, N.D., dealt with nerve and forearm issues in his throwing arm earlier this year and was unable to regain his form once activated.
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The Blue Jays acquired Swanson and pitching prospect Adam Macko in November 2022 from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for slugger Teoscar Hernandez.
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Swanson was a reliable high-leverage option for the Blue Jays in 2023 but his ERA jumped by over two runs to 5.03 last season.
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Blue Jays manager John Schneider said last week it was a 'tough conversation' to tell Swanson that he'd been designated for assignment.
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'It kind of happens in the game when things aren't going your way,' Schneider said. 'And he understands that part of it.
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'It's still hard to move on from a guy like that that's meant a lot for you the last couple years.'
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Swanson made his big-league debut with the Mariners in 2019. His best season came in 2022 when he posted a 3-2 record with a 1.68 ERA over 57 appearances.
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