Blue Jays Place Right-Hander Yimi Garcia on Injured List
The Toronto Blue Jays have announced that right-hander Yimi Garcia has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a sore elbow. This move follows an incident during a save opportunity against the Cleveland Guardians, where Garcia had to exit the game with two outs in the ninth inning.
Garcia's injury significantly impacts the Blue Jays, who have relied on him as their most dependable reliever this season. The 10-year veteran boasts an impressive 3-0 record with a 2.57 ERA across 27 games. Over 28 innings, he has struck out 37 batters while issuing just seven walks.
Elbow Injury Diagnosis
An MRI revealed no structural damage in Garcia's elbow, which is a relief for both the player and the team. "An MRI revealed no structural damage in Garcia's elbow," Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed. However, Garcia’s absence will still be felt in the bullpen, exacerbating an already challenging situation for Toronto’s pitching staff.
Struggles in the Bullpen
The Blue Jays' bullpen has been facing a turbulent season. Collectively, Toronto's relievers have a 4.69 ERA, the fourth-worst in the majors. Garcia’s placement on the injured list leaves the team without three key relievers.
Right-hander Chad Green is expected to handle most save opportunities in Garcia's absence. "Right-hander Chad Green will handle most save opportunities," Schneider said.
Adding to the woes, Jordan Romano has been on the injured list since May 30 due to a sore shoulder. This marks Romano's second stint on the injured list this season, further depleting the team's bullpen depth. Another reliever, Erik Swanson, was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on May 28 after struggling significantly with a 9.22 ERA in 17 appearances. Since his demotion, Swanson has allowed six runs in 5 1/3 innings, indicating that his struggles have persisted at the Triple-A level.
New Addition to the Bullpen
To fill the void left by Garcia, the Blue Jays have selected the contract of left-hander Brandon Eisert from Triple-A Buffalo. Eisert's promotion signifies the organization's confidence in his ability to contribute at the major league level amid the bullpen’s turmoil. The team will be relying on new additions and remaining bullpen arms to stabilize their pitching resources in the coming weeks.
Joey Votto Begins Rehab Assignment
In other news, first baseman Joey Votto has commenced a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League. Votto suffered an ankle injury during spring training and has yet to make his season debut for the Blue Jays. Votto’s eventual return could provide a significant boost to the team’s lineup as they navigate through these challenging times.
Looking Ahead
The Blue Jays’ bullpen management will be crucial in the coming weeks. Much will depend on how quickly sidelined players can recover and return to aid the Blue Jays. The team is in a precarious position, and the successful integration of new additions like Brandon Eisert will be pivotal as they aim to overcome their pitching difficulties and stabilize their season.
As the team grapples with injuries and struggles within their bullpen, they will need to show resilience and adaptability. The upcoming games will test the depth and flexibility of their roster, and their performance could hinge on the rapid recovery of key players like Yimi Garcia and Jordan Romano.