Jays closer Jordan Romano off IL earns save in season debut

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TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays activated All-Star closer Jordan Romano and fellow right-hander Erik Swanson off the 15-day injured list before Tuesday night's game against the New York Yankees.

Romano had been sidelined since spring training with right elbow inflammation and Swanson with right forearm inflammation. He gave up a run in the ninth inning Tuesday but finished for the save in his season debut, getting Oswaldo Cabrera to ground out with the tying run at third. The Blue Jays won 5-4. 

Toronto optioned right-hander Nate Pearson to Triple-A Buffalo. Righty Mitch White was designated for assignment.

Romano, who turns 31 on Sunday, went 5-7 with a 2.90 ERA and 36 saves in 40 appearances last year and made the AL All-Star team for a second straight season. He last pitched in a spring training game on March 10 and made minor league rehabilitation appearances for Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday and Saturday.

Swanson, 30, appeared in 69 games for Toronto in 2023, going 4-2 with a 2.97 ERA and four saves in six chances. His last spring training game was March 13, and he made three appearances for the Bisons, on April 7, Thursday and Saturday.

A four-year veteran, Pearson was demoted despite not allowing a run in six appearances this season. Pearson has struck out nine and allowed four hits in 6⅓ innings.

Acquired from the Dodgers in 2022, White stopped a 20-game winless streak with Toronto on March 31 when he pitched three scoreless innings to beat Tampa Bay. He had a 7.71 ERA in his next three appearances before being cut.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.