The Toronto Blue Jays‘ bullpen will soon get a much-needed boost.
Reliever Yimi Garcia is on his way to join the Blue Jays in Arizona, and could be activated for Sunday’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, manager John Schneider told reporters Saturday.
Garcia made a rehab start with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Friday and recorded two outs over 17 pitches, allowed two hits and walked one hitter.
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.
Schneider also provided an update on injured shortstop Bo Bichette who remained out of the Blue Jays’ lineup for Saturday’s game against the Diamondbacks with a right calf strain.
The Blue Jays manager said that Bichette is making progress, but the team may keep him out of the lineup over the weekend to let him recover.
Sunday’s game against the Diamondbacks is the Blue Jays’ final contest before MLB’s All-Star break. Toronto returns to action on July 19th against the Detroit Tigers.
Bichette was injured in Wednesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants. The 26-year-old infielder owns a .595 OPS through 79 games this season and spent time on the injured list with another calf strain earlier this year.
You can watch the Blue Jays take on the Diamondbacks Saturday live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting at 10:10 p.m. ET / 7:10 p.m. PT.
The Toronto Blue Jays are set to welcome back relief pitcher Yimi Garcia as shortstop Bo Bichette continues to make progress in his recovery from a hand injury.
Garcia, who has been on the injured list since July 14 with right hand inflammation, is expected to rejoin the team in the coming days. The 30-year-old right-hander has been a key piece of the Blue Jays’ bullpen this season, posting a 3.86 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 31 appearances.
Garcia’s return will provide a much-needed boost to a Blue Jays bullpen that has struggled at times this season. With closer Jordan Romano also dealing with an injury, Garcia’s presence will be crucial as the team looks to secure a playoff spot in the competitive American League East.
Meanwhile, Bichette continues to make progress in his recovery from a hand injury that has sidelined him since August 15. The 23-year-old shortstop has been hitting off a tee and taking ground balls, and is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon.
Bichette’s return will be a huge lift for the Blue Jays, as he was hitting .275 with 22 home runs and 73 RBI before his injury. His presence in the lineup will provide a much-needed spark for an offense that has struggled at times in his absence.
With Garcia set to rejoin the team and Bichette making progress in his recovery, the Blue Jays are poised to make a strong push for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the season. Fans can look forward to seeing these two key players back on the field and making an impact as the team looks to secure a postseason berth.