Blue Jays' Romano, Swanson continue to make progress in recovery

Injured Toronto Blue Jays relievers Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson took significant steps forward in their return to the club on Thursday.

Manager John Schneider told reporters before Friday's game against the New York Yankees that Romano threw his second bullpen session and that Swanson threw live batting practice.

The manager added that both sessions went well and that Romano's next step is live batting practice before heading to a minor-league affiliate for rehab games.

While appearing on Blair & Barker on Wednesday, Schneider said he hoped the pair would be able to return for next week's homestand.

Romano (elbow inflammation) and Swanson (forearm tightness) have been working their way back from injuries suffered during spring training.

The 30-year-old Romano, a native of Markham, Ont., tied a career-high with 36 saves in 2023. He had a 2.90 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 59 appearances.

In 2023, Swanson was one of Toronto’s most reliable relievers, posting a 2.97 ERA and striking out 75 hitters over 66.2 innings of work.

Sportsnet's Shi Davidi reported that Danny Jansen caught both relievers' sessions and took batting practice on the field. The next step for the backstop will be hitting off the velocity machine. Toronto is hoping that Jansen will be ready to catch in-game by Sunday, when Alek Manoah is expected to throw 65 pitches for low-A Dunedin.

Schneider also provided an update on Joey Votto, who is still doing defensive work while recovering from a rolled ankle, which is "getting better," according to the Blue Jays skipper. Votto was hurt during his Grapefruit League debut and has been out since then.

You can watch as Toronto opens a weekend series against the Yankees on Friday afternoon on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. Coverage starts at 1 p.m. ET and 10 a.m. PT.