Former Mariners reliever Erik Swanson cut by Blue Jays

TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays cut veteran reliever Erik Swanson on Tuesday and put struggling starter Bowden Francis on the 15-day injured list because of a right shoulder impingement.

The Blue Jays recalled right-hander Paxton Schultz from Triple-A Buffalo and selected left-hander Justin Bruihl from the Bisons.

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Swanson was designated for assignment after allowing seven earned runs in 1 2/3 innings over two weekend appearances against Philadelphia.

Swanson was 1-0 with a 15.19 ERA in six appearances since coming off the 60-day injured list on June 1. The right-hander missed the start of the season because of a nerve issue in his arm.

In 2024, Swanson went 2-2 with a 5.03 ERA in 45 games with Toronto in 2024, a challenging season that began with a young son being struck by a car during spring training. Swanson started the season on the injured list because of a sore forearm and was later demoted to Triple-A, rejoining the Blue Jays in July.

Acquired in a trade ahead of the 2023 season that sent popular slugger Teoscar Hernández to the Seattle Mariners, Swanson went 4-2 in his first season with Toronto with four saves, 29 holds and a 2.97 ERA.

Relying heavily on a splitter that made him effective against left-handed hitters, Swanson’s best season was 2022 with the Mariners, going 3-2 with a 1.68 ERA, 0.913 WHIP, three saves and 14 holds.

Swanson will be eligible for free agency following the 2025 World Series.

Francis has lost his past six decisions and is winless since April 18 against Seattle. He’s 2-8 with a 6.05 ERA in 14 starts. His IL stint is retroactive to June 15.

Francis twice took no-hitters into the ninth inning in 2024, losing both bids on leadoff home runs in the final frame.

Seattle Sports staff made additions to this post.

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