After having the second outing of his rehab pushed back multiple times due to a stiff neck, Toronto Blue Jays reliever Yimi Garcia was back on the mound Friday night.
Pitching with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons, Garcia threw recorded two outs over 17 pitches, allowed two hits and walked one hitter against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The 33-year-old left the game with two runners on, who came into score with Eric Pardinho pitching, adding two earned runs to Garcia’s final line on the night.
Garcia last pitched with Buffalo on July 6, needing only 10 pitches to work a clean inning with two strikeouts.
On Friday, the six-foot-one righty allowed a single to start the inning before getting a line out and picking off the lead-off hit at second base.
But, he wasn’t able to finish the inning, walking the next batter and allowing a broken-bat single before being removed from the game.
Over his 17 pitches, Garcia threw nine four-seam fastballs, averaging 95.2 m.p.h. and topping out at 96.9 with the pitch. He also mixed in three curveballs, two sweepers, one changeup, one sinker and one slider, according to Baseball Savant.
Garcia has been working back from right elbow ulnar neuritis, which forced him onto the 15-day injured list in mid-June.
The right-hander has been Toronto’s best bullpen arm in 2024, posting a 2.57 ERA, a 3-0 record, 37 strikeouts and five saves over 28.0 innings this season.
Yimi Garcia, a relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, recently made a rehab appearance in a minor league game where he threw 17 pitches and recorded two outs. This outing is a positive sign for the Blue Jays as they look to add depth to their bullpen for the stretch run of the season.
Garcia, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury, showed good command and velocity in his brief appearance. He was able to induce weak contact from hitters and get quick outs, which is a promising sign that he is on track to return to the major league roster soon.
The Blue Jays acquired Garcia from the Miami Marlins at the trade deadline to bolster their bullpen for the playoff push. His ability to get outs efficiently and effectively will be crucial for the team as they look to secure a spot in the postseason.
Garcia has been a reliable reliever throughout his career, posting a career ERA of 3.31 in over 300 innings pitched. His experience and track record of success make him a valuable asset for the Blue Jays as they look to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Overall, Garcia’s successful outing in his rehab appearance is a positive development for the Blue Jays as they continue to build momentum towards the end of the season. His return to the major league roster will provide a much-needed boost to the team’s bullpen and increase their chances of success in the postseason.