Toronto Blue Jays Place Yimi Garcia on 15-Day Injured List Due to Elbow Soreness
The Toronto Blue Jays have made a significant move by placing right-hander Yimi Garcia on the 15-day injured list due to a sore elbow. This decision follows Garcia's early exit from a save opportunity against the Cleveland Guardians, with just two outs remaining in the ninth inning.
To fill the void left by Garcia, the Blue Jays have selected the contract of left-hander Brandon Eisert from Triple-A Buffalo. Eisert's promotion indicates the organization’s confidence in his ability to contribute at the major league level during this critical period.
Garcia's Impact on the Season
Garcia has been Toronto’s most reliable reliever this season, boasting an impressive record. The 10-year veteran has a 3-0 record paired with a solid 2.57 ERA across 27 games. His performance has been characterized by his ability to strike out opponents, having recorded 37 strikeouts while allowing only seven walks over 28 innings.
Despite the concerning elbow soreness, an MRI revealed no structural damage. This offers a glimmer of hope for a quicker recovery, although Garcia’s absence will still be significantly felt in the bullpen.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider commented on the situation, saying, “An MRI revealed no structural damage in Garcia's elbow.”
Adjustments in the Bullpen
During Garcia's absence, right-hander Chad Green will be tasked with handling the majority of save opportunities, as confirmed by Schneider. This adjustment comes at a challenging time for the Blue Jays’ bullpen, which has been underperforming this season.
Toronto's relievers collectively hold a 4.69 ERA — the fourth-worst mark in the majors — which has undoubtedly put additional pressure on the team. The bullpen is now missing three key relievers, placing enormous strain on the remaining pitchers.
Jordan Romano has been on the IL since May 30 due to a sore shoulder. This marks Romano's second stint on the IL this season, further depleting the team's bullpen depth. Erik Swanson, another key reliever, was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on May 28 following a string of struggles that led to a 9.22 ERA in 17 appearances. Since joining the Buffalo Bisons, Swanson has allowed six runs in 5 1/3 innings, indicating that his struggles are ongoing.
The Return of Joey Votto
In a bit of positive news amid the bullpen troubles, first baseman Joey Votto has begun a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League. Votto has been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during spring training and has yet to make an appearance for the Blue Jays this season. His return could provide a significant boost to the team’s lineup.
Looking Ahead
Managing the bullpen effectively will be crucial for the Blue Jays in the coming weeks. The team will need to rely on new additions like Brandon Eisert and the existing bullpen arms to stabilize their pitching resources. The success of these efforts will largely depend on how quickly sidelined players can recover and return to the mound.
Schneider expressed optimism despite the challenges, stating, “Right-hander Chad Green will handle most save opportunities.” This confidence in Green and other bullpen players will be pivotal as the team navigates this difficult period.
As the Blue Jays continue to battle through injuries and bullpen issues, the focus will be on strategic management and swift recovery. The club hopes to maintain competitiveness and improve their bullpen performance, addressing the current struggles and emerging stronger as the season progresses.