CLEARWATER, Fla. — A 4-year-old boy who police say was hit by an SUV driven by a valet driver over the weekend in Clearwater Beach is the son of Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Erik Swanson.
The child, Toby Swanson, remains in critical condition at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, the Clearwater Police Department said in an update Tuesday morning.
MLB.com reported Blue Jays' manager John Schneider shared the news with the team before their spring training game with the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland.
"Thanks to the incredible work from Clearwater first responders, Toby is on the road to recovery and is surrounded by his family," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said in a statement sent to 10 Tampa Bay. "Erik will be away from the team for a while, family comes first. Our love, support and prayers are with Erik, Madison, Toby and the entire Swanson family.
"Out of respect for Erik and his family, we’re not going to comment further on this."
A valet driver, operating a 2024 Ford Expedition at the Opal Sands Resort on South Gulfview Boulevard, struck Swanson before he was rushed to the children's hospital, police said in an earlier statement.
The driver was said to be cooperating in the investigation.
Earlier this month, the Blue Jays shared a photo on their Facebook page of father and son.