Blue Jays Place Erik Swanson On Injured List

Swanson will be out at least 15 days with thoracic spine inflammation, the Blue Jays announced Sunday.

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Blue Jays will be without a key set-up man for at least the next few weeks.

Toronto placed reliever Erik Swanson on the injured list Sunday, sending the righty to the shelf with thoracic spine inflammation. Jay Jackson was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to take Swanson's spot on the roster.

Swanson left Saturday's game against the Guardians, walking off with trainer Jose Ministral with what was later deemed mid-back discomfort. He was placed on the IL Sunday morning after an MRI.

Swanson has been Toronto's primary set-up man for most of the season, logging 58 innings, four saves, and a 3.10 ERA so far. He'd already matched his season-high in innings pitched and was three off of his most strikeouts.

Up in Swanson's place, Jackson has been shuttled between Toronto and Buffalo for most of the season. When with the Jays, he's been one of the team's most effective relievers, rocking a 1.64 ERA in 22 innings.

With Jordan Romano, Jordan Hicks, Tim Mayza, and Yimi Garcia, the Jays should have enough back-end relievers to cover Swanson's late-game work for the next few weeks. However, Swanson's neutral platoon splits and experience in big spots make him one of the team's most essential relievers for the stretch run and a potential playoff push.