Blue Jays expect two key relievers to start the season on the IL

Toronto will open the season without Jordan Romano because of elbow inflammation and Erik Swanson who has forearm tightness.

BRADENTON, Fla.—The Blue Jays will open the season without two of their top relievers after it was revealed on Monday morning that Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson are expected to start the year on the injured list.

The high-leverage arms simply ran out of time in their recovery from right-arm issues. Romano hasn’t pitched since March 10 because of elbow inflammation while Swanson has been out since March 13 with forearm tightness.

Jays manager John Schneider didn’t go as far as officially announcing rosters moves, but he admitted the relievers would have to transition back into game action. That would require a bullpen session followed by live batting practice against hitters.

Romano and Swanson aren’t expected to throw off a mound until some time “next week.” The Jays have until 12 p.m. ET on Thursday to announce their 26-man roster, which is approximately four hours before they open the regular season with a game against the Rays.

“Timing wise, it’s not great right now,” Schneider said on Monday afternoon. “I think it’s reasonable to say they’re probably going to start on the IL, unless anything changes in the next 12 hours or so.”

If Monday’s starter Kevin Gausman is cleared to start the season, right-hander Mitch White is expected to head to the bullpen as a long reliever. That would leave two spots for Nate Pearson and Zach Pop, but the Jays have the option of going with an extra long reliever instead.

Romano and Swanson wouldn’t be eligible to come off the 15-day IL until April 9. Catcher Danny Jansen, who will begin the season on the 10-day IL for position players, won’t be eligible until April 4.