RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesYimi Garcia’s long-awaited return to the Toronto Blue Jays has taken another difficult turn. The veteran reliever has not pitched for Toronto this season after spending months working his way back from elbow surgery.
Garcia had been making progress through a minor league rehab assignment, but another setback recently forced the Blue Jays to pause his comeback. The 35-year-old right-hander was dealing with neck and nerve symptoms, leading the team to seek another medical opinion.
Now, with Toronto preparing to open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Garcia has received a diagnosis that could end his season before he makes his return.
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Blue Jays’ John Schneider announced a disappointing update on RHP Yimi Garcia
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Yimi Garcia (93). Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Garcia has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters Friday ahead of the game in Philadelphia.
Garcia has not yet decided whether he will undergo surgery, but Schneider said his season is “most likely” over (via Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling).
The diagnosis comes after Garcia was pulled from another rehab assignment because of neck soreness. He was scheduled to visit a specialist after the latest setback, with surgery among the possible next steps.
Garcia has made nine minor league rehab appearances this season, throwing 7.2 innings. He has yet to appear for Toronto after last pitching in the majors on July 2, 2025.
Blue Jays face another bullpen setback
The timing is particularly difficult for Garcia, who is in the final season of the two-year, $15 million contract he signed with Toronto before the 2025 season. He made 22 MLB appearances for the Blue Jays last year, posting a 3.86 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 21 innings.
Toronto retained Garcia through the trade deadline despite his uncertain status, but the latest diagnosis makes a 2026 return unlikely. The club will now have to continue navigating their bullpen without a reliever they expected to contribute this season.
The Blue Jays entered Friday at 54-62 and 3.5 games behind the final American League wild card spot.
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