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Blue Jays Reliever Yimi Garcia Reports Soreness but Is Scheduled to Pitch Again This Weekend
Yimi Garcia, signed to a two-year $15 million deal, has not pitched in the majors this season. His latest rehab start showed reduced velocity and left him with soreness, raising doubts about a 2026 return.
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The Toronto Blue Jays may lose right-handed reliever Yimi Garcia for the remainder of the 2026 season after he reported soreness following a Triple-A appearance on one day's rest. Forbes reported that Garcia, 35, pitched for the Buffalo Bisons around June 19 and saw his fastball velocity drop from approximately 95 mph to 93 mph.
Manager John Schneider told reporters that Garcia experienced soreness after the outing.
Garcia is scheduled to pitch again for Buffalo during the weekend of June 20-21 before the team re-evaluates his status. Garcia has not appeared in any Major League Baseball game this season because of an elbow injury. He underwent surgery last season to remove scar tissue and appeared in only 21 innings for Toronto in 2025.
He made 73 appearances in 2023. Over his last four rehab outings between Single-A Dunedin and Triple-A Buffalo, Garcia posted a 4.91 ERA and 1.91 WHIP in 3.2 innings with a 4:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He had shown improved velocity in a Buffalo appearance around June 13.
The Blue Jays have relied on a rotating group of relievers while awaiting Garcia's return. The team has remained competitive in the American League playoff race despite multiple roster injuries.
