The Toronto Blue Jays have made several roster changes ahead of their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. They have recalled Paxton Schultz and selected Justin Bruihl to the MLB roster; he will be active tonight. In addition, they have DFA’d right-handed pitcher Erik Swanson, and right-handed starter Bowden Francis RHP Bowden Francis has been placed on the 15-day IL with right shoulder impingement. A roster shakeup has functioned well for the most part for the Blue Jays, aside from not having a defined rotation, but following this season and the deadline, the rotation will look much different. But the bullpen continues to transform as well.
This shake-up of the roster comes at a significant time, when the Blue Jays are in a position to capitalize on and maximize their success in the AL East and the wild card berth. Francis has struggled on the mound with a 2-8 record and 6.05 ERA, which gives Paxton Schultz the prime opportunity to impress and provide depth in the rotation. This season, Schultz has recorded a 3.06 ERA, giving him a prime chance to continue pitching well.
ROSTER MOVES:
RHP Paxton Schultz recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 17, 2025
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Blue Jays Shakeup Roster With Mid-Season Action
Blue Jays Roster Changes & What They Mean Past the Deadline
The Blue Jays roster changes have been inevitable this season, but the team has worked around it and has been able to make things work. While the Swanson ERA has ended, a median nerve entrapment issue impacted this season, as he made his debut on June 1st. While the veteran has provided the Blue Jays with success during his tenure the Blue Jays need their strongest relievers in the pen and when it comes down to Yimi Garcia, Mason Fluharty, Brendon Little, Jeff Hoffman, Chad Green, Spencer Turnball and Yariel Rodriguez, the Blue Jays have a solid foundation when it comes to relievers. Their bullpen’s ERA this season has been solid at 3.66.
Bruihl’s opportunity to pitch in the majors with the Blue Jays is that he is a left-handed specialist reliever. He could potentially offer valuable depth to the Blue Jays bullpen, which is prominent against left-handed hitters. He’s shown the ability to induce ground balls and has a solid slider, which he’s been developing. While his strikeout rate has been relatively low in the past, with some fine-tuning, it will be interesting to see his upside.
The injury to Francis couldn’t come at a more convenient time, considering his struggles. While no one wants to see Francis land on the IL, this could be a time for him to regroup and address his struggles more openly. Francis is not a solidified starter and could benefit from returning to the bullpen, just as Yariel Rodriguez has found his rhythm in his new bullpen role this season.
Main Photo Credits: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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