Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Bowden Francis Hurts Shoulder, Heads to Injured List

Bowden Francis, who is dealing with a right shoulder impingement, is set to miss his next few turns in the Toronto Blue Jays' starting rotation.

Arlington, Texas, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14) removes Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Bowden Francis (44) during the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays have placed right-handed pitcher Bowden Francis on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement, the club announced Tuesday afternoon.

Francis last took the mound Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing one hit, three walks, two hit batsmen and two earned runs in 3.2 innings on 74 pitches. It was a continuation of his ongoing shaky stretch, which dates back to late April.

Prior to his 29th birthday on April 22, Francis boasted a 3.13 ERA and 1.043 WHIP through four starts. He has a 7.68 ERA and 1.805 WHIP in his 10 outings since, bringing his season ERA to 6.05 and his season WHIP to 1.531.

Francis was 9-5 with a 2.88 ERA and 0.903 WHIP for his career heading into 2025, only becoming a full-time starter towards the end of 2024. Between Francis' struggles and Max Scherzer's thumb injury, the Blue Jays haven't had as much starting pitching depth as they would have hoped, but the veteran trio of José Berríos, Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt has been as steady as ever at the top of the rotation.

In a slew of related moves, Toronto recalled right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz from Triple-A Buffalo and selected left-handed pitcher Justin Bruihl to the big league roster. Right-handed reliever Erik Swanson was designated for assignment after making six appearances with a 15.19 ERA and-0.5 WAR this season.

ROSTER MOVES:

🔹 RHP Paxton Schultz recalled from Triple-A and will be active tonight

🔹 LHP Justin Bruihl selected to the Major League roster and will be active tonight

🔹 RHP Erik Swanson DFA’d

🔹 RHP Bowden Francis placed on 15-day IL (right shoulder impingement) pic.twitter.com/JGRwDOR38Q

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 17, 2025

The Blue Jays are set to open a series with the Arizona Diamondbacks back in Toronto on Tuesday. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET.

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