Schwinden was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 43rd round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft out of Golden West High School in Visalia, California, however he did not sign and attended and played baseball at Lewis–Clark State College (Idaho) in 2007; he then attended Fresno Pacific University in 2008.

[3] On April 26, 2012, Schwinden was recalled to the New York Mets to replace Robert Carson on the roster and Mike Pelfrey in the rotation.

On June 27, the Indians designated Schwinden for assignment to make room for newly acquired Vinny Rottino.

Schwinden signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers on May 17, 2014, and made three starts for the Class AAA Round Rock Express.

Schwinden spent the majority of the 2014 season with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.