Jays activate closer Jordan Romano (elbow) from IL

Field Level Media|published: Tue 16th April, 21:41 2024

Feb 26, 2024; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jordan Romano (68) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth inning at TD Ballpark. credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays activated right-handed relievers Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday ahead of their game against the visiting New York Yankees.

Romano, Toronto's closer, landed on the IL on March 28 due to right elbow inflammation. He has yet to make his season debut.

In 59 relief appearances last season, Romano went 5-7 with a 2.90 ERA, collecting 36 saves in 40 opportunities. He was named an All-Star for the second consecutive year.

Romano, who turns 31 on Sunday, has spent his entire five-year major league career with Toronto, going 19-15 with a 2.67 ERA and 97 saves across 216 appearances out of the bullpen.

Swanson, 30, has been sidelined since spring training due to an inflamed right forearm. Last year, his first with Toronto, he went 4-2 with four saves and a 2.97 ERA in 69 relief outings.

In 195 career appearances, including 11 starts, for the Seattle Mariners (2019-2022) and the Blue Jays, Swanson owns an 8-14 record with 10 saves and a 3.78 ERA.

To create room on the active roster, the Blue Jays optioned right-hander Nate Pearson to Triple-A Buffalo while designating right-hander Mitch White for assignment.

Pearson, 27, struck out all three batters he faced Sunday to close Toronto's 5-0 win over Colorado. He has no decisions and a 0.00 ERA through 6 1/3 innings (six appearances) for the Blue Jays this year.

White, 29, is 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in four relief outings for Toronto in 2024.

—Field Level Media