When the Toronto Blue Jays make their Rogers Centre season debut next week, they are hoping two of their key relievers might have the green light for the first time this season.
On Blair & Barker on Wednesday, Blue Jays manager John Schneider left the door open to Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson being back with the team in time for Monday’s home kickoff against the Seattle Mariners.
“With Jordy and Swany, they’re making really good progress … You’ve got to kind of take it day to day. Romano had his bullpen (session Tuesday) and it was really encouraging, as was Swany’s the day before.
“You’ve got to listen to them, you’ve got to trust what they’re saying is true and then watch their stuff.”
Romano (elbow inflammation) and Swanson (forearm tightness) opened the season last week on the injured list.
Schneider said that the team will want both pitchers to throw in minor-league games before returning to the major-league team.
“I don’t think they’re going to need too much time once they do hit real games in the minor leagues. Hopefully (their return) is when we are home.”
The triple-A Buffalo Bisons have five games in Worcester, Mass. before Toronto’s home opener, including a doubleheader Friday following a rainout on Wednesday. The Blue Jays also could keep the relievers in Dunedin, Fla., where the Class-A season starts Friday.
As for Alek Manoah (shoulder), the manager said the starter may not be as close to a return as the relievers.
The Blue Jays are three-fifths of the way through a season-opening, 10-game road trip, and sport a 3-3 record.
The 30-year-old Romano, a native of Markham, Ont., tied a career-high with 36 saves in 2023. He had a 2.90 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 59 appearances.
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.
Watch the final game of the Blue Jays-Houston Astros series on Wednesday at 8 p.m. on Sportsnet ONE or Sportsnet+.
