Blue Jays walking fine line with bullpen injuries

The Toronto Blue Jays were already facing an uphill battle in the AL East.

The Blue Jays are in what may be the most difficult division in the majors. Despite a talented roster, the Blue Jays have to battle the Yankees, Rays, and Orioles. We had projected the Blue Jays to finish fourth in the division while contending for a Wild Card berth.

Those hopes may have taken a serious blow on Tuesday. Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reported that relievers Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson underwent MRIs recently. Neither pitcher shows injury or structural damage and will rest for the next few days.

Losing either pitcher for a significant length of time would be devastating for the Blue Jays chances. Romano, a two-time All-Star, has established himself as one of the better closers in the game. He posted a 2.90 ERA and a 1.220 WHiP over his 59 innings in 2023, notching 36 saves while striking out 72 batters. His presence has solidified the ninth inning in Toronto and has been a key part of their success.

Swanson had already missed time earlier in spring training. His four-year-old son was struck by a car in February and was in intensive care at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in Clearwater, FL. Fortunately, his son has recovered from the accident. On the diamond, Swanson is viewed as the next in line should anything happen to Romano. He had posted a 2.97 ERA and a 1.095 WHiP over his 66.2 innings, striking out 75 batters with 21 walks. 

The Blue Jays do have other possible options should Romano and/or Swanson be sidelined. Should that be the case, Yimi Garcia would likely take over in the ninth inning. While he does have some experience as a closer, notching 15 saves with the Marlins in 2021 before being traded to the Astros, he would mark a significant downgrade. Likewise, the middle of the bullpen would get weaker, a problem in a division featuring some of the best lineups in the game.

The Blue Jays may have dodged a bullet with injuries to relievers Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson. It is a reminder of how fine of a line the Blue Jays must walk in what may be the toughest division in the majors.