Son of major league pitcher from Fargo in critical condition after being hit by car

CLEARWATER, Fla. (FOX-13) – The 4-year-old boy who was struck by a car in Clearwater on Sunday and airlifted in critical condition is the son of Fargo native and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Erik Swanson.

The City of Clearwater reported the child, Toby Swanson, of Fargo, North Dakota, remains in critical condition at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Pete.

He is the son of Blue Jays reliever Erik Swanson, who had been with the team at their spring training complex in Dunedin.

Blue Jays Manager John Schneider announced Erik is stepping away from the team for the time being to be with his family.

“Thanks to the incredible work from Clearwater first responders, Toby is on the road to recovery and is surrounded by his family,” the Blue Jays said in a statement. “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.”

Clearwater police reported on Sunday that Toby had been hit by a valet driver at the Opal Sands, at 430 S. Gulfview Blvd. Police added that the driver remained on the scene and was cooperating with the investigation.

Clearwater PD said the valet driver will not face criminal charges, but citations could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.