Latest update on Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Yimi Garcia

Yimi Garcia pitched one inning today in the Florida Complex League (started the game), allowing one hit while striking out three batters. All three punchouts came via the swinging K. 14 pitches, 11 of which were strikes.

The pair provided a dynamic one-two highest-leverage punch at the back end of the bullpen that were a clear strength of the team in the early going.

Garcia didn't allow an earned run in 19 of his 21 appearances and none in his first 14 outings while pitching to a tidy 3.15 ERA.

But now with Garcia out and Hoffman struggling, there is at minimum a sense of disarray in the Jays 'pen and, at worst, serious concern for manager John Schneider's late-game options.

Hoffman, of course, was money in his early days with the Jays, seemingly easily validating general manager Ross Atkins' decision to move on from Canadian closer Jordan Romano.

In the first month of the season, Hoffman allowed just one home run and owned a skimpy 1.17 ERA.

What unfolds with Hoffman and Garcia over the next five weeks no doubt will impact general manager Ross Atkins' trade deadline strategy.

Starting depth is the bold-face lingering concern for the Jays, but bolstering the bullpen will be a priority as well.

Any such pursuit would brings its own set of challenges, given that the suitors for relief help at the deadline will be deep.