The start of spring training is finally here, as Toronto Blue Jays pitchers and catchers officially reported to the player development complex in Dunedin, Fla., on Thursday.

Manager John Schneider spoke to reporters for the first time in 2025 during Day 1 of camp, providing a slew of injury updates and revealed right-hander Erik Swanson is slightly behind schedule after experiencing forearm fatigue in January. There’s a chance he could begin this season on the IL.

However, the Blue Jays skipper remains optimistic he’ll have enough runway to overcome this early setback before Opening Day. The 31-year-old reliever has been throwing on flat ground from 120 feet in his recovery thus far.

Swanson fell behind last spring and began the 2024 campaign on the injured list due to right forearm inflammation. He also missed time in camp because of a family emergency involving his young son, Toby.

Upon returning, the 6-foot-3 righty did not resemble the impact hurler he was in ’23, struggling to a 5.03 ERA and 6.06 FIP across 45 relief appearances. His extended woes ultimately forced the club to option him to triple-A Buffalo, where he eventually found his footing again.

He returned to the majors in mid-July following a month-and-a-half stint in Buffalo. While it wasn’t smoothly sailing initially, he allowed just two runs (both earned) over his final 15 outings, pitching to a 1.32 ERA and 2.14 FIP while striking out 18 batters in 13.2 innings.

Toronto’s front office could’ve decided to non-tender Swanson over the off-season. But instead, they opted to bring him back in 2025, betting on his encouraging finish to last season. Both sides avoided arbitration in November, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $3 million.

Swanson, a free agent after next off-season, will be a crucial piece of the Blue Jays’ new-look bullpen once he’s healthy, joining newcomers Jeff Hoffman and Nick Sandlin as well as returnees Chad Green and Yimi García at the back end.