Toronto Blue Jays reliever Erik Swanson‘s stretch of successful outings was interrupted on Tuesday night when the reliever was removed while warming up to pitch for triple-A Buffalo.
The 30-year-old entered the game and was removed before he was able to throw a pitch with what the team called “heat-related illness symptoms,” according to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling.
The issue is considered minor, and Swanson is day-to-day.
Since struggling since his initial demotion to the minors, Swanson had strung together back-to-back strong outings, allowing two hits, no runs and no walks while striking out two hitters over 3.1 innings.
Per Zwelling, the Blue Jays have been considering recalling the right-hander in light of the recent success.
Despite the two strong appearances, Swanson still holds an 11.66 ERA at triple-A this season. He was sent down following a difficult stretch to begin his MLB campaign, where he allowed 14 runs and five homers in 13.2 innings.
This all comes after an excellent 2023 season which saw Swanson become one of Toronto’s top bullpen arms. He posted a 2.97 ERA over 66.2 innings, collecting four saves and 75 strikeouts.
Triple-A pitcher Erik Swanson was sidelined from a recent outing due to symptoms of a heat-related illness, highlighting the importance of staying hydrated and taking precautions when playing sports in hot weather.
Swanson, who is a top prospect in the New York Yankees organization, was scheduled to start for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders but was pulled from the game after experiencing dizziness and nausea during warm-up. The team’s medical staff quickly recognized the signs of heat exhaustion and made the decision to sit him out for the game.
Heat-related illnesses are a serious concern for athletes, especially during the summer months when temperatures can soar. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and is unable to cool itself down properly. Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue, all of which can significantly impact an athlete’s performance on the field.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, athletes should take precautions such as staying hydrated, wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, and taking breaks in the shade when necessary. It’s also important to acclimate to hot weather gradually and listen to your body’s signals if you start to feel unwell.
Fortunately, Swanson’s symptoms were caught early and he is expected to make a full recovery. The RailRiders are taking extra precautions to ensure that their players stay safe in the heat, including providing plenty of water and electrolyte drinks during games and practices.
This incident serves as a reminder to all athletes of the importance of taking care of their bodies in extreme weather conditions. By staying vigilant and following proper safety protocols, athletes can avoid potentially dangerous situations like heat-related illnesses and continue to perform at their best on the field.