May 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) removes Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Bowden Francis (44) during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images The Toronto Blue Jays placed right-hander Bowden Francis on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to a right shoulder impingement.
The 29-year-old Francis has fashioned a 2-8 record with a 6.05 ERA in 14 starts. He failed to get through four innings in any of his three starts in June, when he surrendered 12 earned runs, 13 hits and 10 walks in just 8 2/3 innings.
In addition to placing Francis on the IL (retroactive to Sunday), the Blue Jays designated veteran reliever Erik Swanson for assignment. The 31-year-old appeared in only six games this season, but gave up nine runs in 5 1/3 innings for a 15.19 ERA. The one-time strikeout artist managed just three punchouts versus five walks.
To fill their spots on the active roster, Toronto promoted versatile right-hander Paxton Schultz and lefty reliever Justin Bruihl from Triple-A Buffalo.
Schultz, 27, authored a remarkable major league debut on April 20 when he threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and no walks against Seattle. He compiled a 3.06 ERA in eight appearances with 24 strikeouts and four walks across 17 2/3 innings before returning to Buffalo. He could serve as the Blue Jays’ opener in Wednesday’s game against Arizona.
Bruihl, 27, has made 79 appearances since making his big-league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021. He has posted a 2-2 record with a 4.62 ERA and one save between the Dodgers (2021-23), Colorado Rockies (2023) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2024).
With Triple-A Buffalo this season, Bruihl has made 25 relief appearances and compiled a 3-3 record with a 3.81 ERA and two saves. He has fanned 36 and issued 10 unintentional walks over 28 1/3 innings.
–Field Level Media
