Reliever’s son set to leave hospital
Erik Swanson is a reliever by profession and now it’s fair to assume the Toronto Blue Jays pitcher is overflowing with relief.
Swanson told media in Dunedin, Fla., on Thursday that his four-year-old son Toby is expected to be released from hospital at some point over the next couple of days as he continues his recovery after being struck by an SUV on Feb. 25.
Young Toby Swanson was airlifted to a children’s hospital in nearby St. Petersburg after being hit near a hotel on Clearwater Beach.
Speaking to reporters at the Jays player development complex, Swanson thanked first responders in Clearwater who rushed to attention soon after the accident in the popular tourist area.
Though Toby was in critical condition when admitted to intensive care, his recovery has been steady to the point that he should be able to continue his recovery at home.
Erik Swanson, a popular figure on the tight-knit Jays bullpen crew, praised his teammates and their families as well as the Jays organization for their support through the ordeal.
Ben Simmons will miss the remainder of the season, the third straight year the former NBA all-star’s season has ended early because of back problems.
Simmons has been limited to 15 games this season. The No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft finished with averages of 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists. He has played in just 57 games and not finished a season since the Nets acquired him from Philadelphia at the trade deadline in 2022 in the deal that sent James Harden to the 76ers.
Former all-star catcher Mike Zunino is retiring at age 32 after 11 major league seasons.
Zunino was released by Cleveland last June and announced his retirement in an Instagram post.
He was an all-star in 2021, when he batted .216 and set a career high with 33 homers along with 62 RBIS.
Zunino reached 20 homers four times.
The Denver Broncos are releasing safety Justin Simmons in the fallout from the Russell Wilson separation, a person familiar with the move told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team didn’t immediately announce the move.
Simmons immediately becomes one of the best veterans available when free agency begins next week.
Simmons was set to earn US$14.5 million this upcoming season.