Fastball

Toronto Blue Jays Make Multiple Big Roster Moves to Start Second Half

Heading into the second half of the season on Friday night, the Toronto Blue Jays have made multiple roster moves in the bullpen.

Brady Farkas

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson (50) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Nationals Park in 2024.
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson (50) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Nationals Park in 2024. / Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
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On Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that veteran and possible Hall of Famer Joey Votto will begin his rehab stint at Triple-A Buffalo. He's been out all season with an ankle injury and is trying to work his way back to the big league level.

Furthermore, the team announced multiple roster moves in the bullpen.

ROSTER MOVES:

RHP Yimi García reinstated from 15-day IL

RHP Erik Swanson recalled from Triple-A

RHP Zach Pop optioned to Triple-A

The Blue Jays are in last place in the American League East but if they want to take one last stand before the trade deadline, these moves could help accomplish that.

The 33-year-old Garcia is one of the top arms in the bullpen for Toronto, having gone 3-0 this year with a 2.57 ERA. He's only pitched in 27 games but does have five saves. He's struck out 37 batters in 28.0 innings.

In his 10th major league season, Garcia has played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, Houston Astros and Blue Jays. He's 22-29 lifetime.

It's been a dreadful season for Swanson, who is usually a reliable reliever. He's made only 17 major league appearances this year and has spent significant time in Triple-A. In the majors, he's 1-2 with a 9.22 ERA. He's also struggled mightily in the minors, going 0-1 with a 10.70 ERA in 19 appearances.

The 30-year-old Swanson has played for both the Seattle Mariners and Blue Jays in his career. He had a 1.68 and 2.97 ERA in each of the last two years, respectively.

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Brady Farkas
BRADY FARKAS

Brady Farkas is a baseball writer for Fastball on Sports Illustrated/FanNation and the host of 'The Payoff Pitch' podcast which can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Videos on baseball also posted to YouTube. Brady has spent nearly a decade in sports talk radio and is a graduate of Oswego State University. You can follow him on Twitter @WDEVRadioBrady. 

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