John Schneider announces update on Toronto Blue Jays reliever Yimi Garcia
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider says reliever Yimi Garcia is making encouraging progress as he works his way back this spring.
According to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling, Yimi Garcia threw off a mound Saturday for the first time during spring training as he continues recovering from elbow issues.
Yimi Garcia throwing off a mound for the first time this spring on Saturday morning at Blue Jays camp
Schneider called Garcia a «huge part» of the Blue Jays' bullpen and said it was «pretty cool» to see the veteran right-hander back on the mound again.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider: "He'll continue that progression. It was so good just to see him off the mound. He's a huge part of our bullpen.
You don't get excited about bullpens at this time in spring training. But when Yimi's back up there, it's pretty cool."
You don't get excited about bullpens at this time in spring training. But when Yimi's back up there, it's pretty cool."
While Garcia is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, the team doesn't anticipate a lengthy absence.
The reliever expressed confidence in his recovery, saying he currently feels better than he did last season.
Toronto appears to be taking a cautious approach with Garcia's return, prioritizing his long-term health even if it means he misses some time in March and April.
The Blue Jays originally traded Garcia to the Seattle Mariners at the 2024 trade deadline, but despite concerns surrounding his elbow, the club felt comfortable bringing him back on a two-year deal during the offseason.
A healthy Garcia could play a major role in Toronto's bullpen this season
Some around the team believe his presence last year might have made a difference during the club's World Series run, and the Jays once again view him as an important piece of their late-inning mix.
Although Garcia won't be ready for Opening Day, he will continue progressing through his throwing program and could return to a late-inning role early in the season if his recovery remains on track.
When he does return, Garcia is expected to join postseason standout Louis Varland and offseason addition Tyler Rogers as key setup options ahead of closer Jeff Hoffman.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 15|108 ANSWERS John Schneider announces update on Toronto Blue Jays reliever Yimi Garcia Do you think Yimi Garcia will make an impact out of the bullpen if he can remain healthy in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 92 | 85.2 % |
| No | 16 | 14.8 % |
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