Michael Schwimer Becomes Latest Blue Jays DFA

July 13, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Michael Schwimer (44) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

It is official, the Toronto Blue Jays have reinstated pitcher J.A. Happ from the 60-day disabled list and he is set to start Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Mariners. The only mystery remaining was who would lose their 40-man roster spot to make room for Happ.

That choice is no longer a mystery, as Michael Schwimer was designated for assignment by Toronto on Monday night.

When we first discussed Gibbons announcing that Happ would be starting on Wednesday, we figured that Schwimer was the most likely member of the 40-man roster to lose his spot. Low and behold, the Blue Jays oblige.

Toronto acquired the 27-year-old right-hander in a Spring Training trade that sent Art Charles to the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Schwimer was only able to appear in six games for Triple-A Buffalo due to back issues. He has thrown six shut-out innings while striking out six and walking seven, but ultimately became a non-factor for the roster and became expendable when the need arose.

In parts of two Major League seasons, Schwimer has appeared in 47 games, all with the Philadelphia Phillies. He owns a lifetime ERA of 4.62 with a 9.6 K/9 ratio and a 4.3 BB/9 ratio over the course of 48.2 innings pitched.

The Blue Jays will be faced with similar issues when/if they decide to activate Kyle Drabek and Drew Hutchison (both on the 60-day DL) or recall Marcus Stroman in September when rosters expand.