A potentially big piece for Blue Jays bullpen takes a step forward toward his return

No matter how the bullpen ultimately shakes out, Yimi Garcia will play a critical role for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2026. Although the right-handed reliever will begin the year on the injured list, he's been making significant progress, as he works his way toward his return. Per Arden Zwelling, Garcia partook in a 'heavier day', which involved throwing off a mound for the first time this spring on Saturday morning at Blue Jays camp.

Garcia progressing toward return from injury

This news comes at a great time, with less than two weeks remaining until Opening Day. Garcia is currently recovering from elbow surgery he underwent late in the 2025 season to remove scar tissue. Heading into Spring Training, the hope was that Garcia would be back and reclaiming his role as a late inning option, but it was revealed that wouldn't be the case when the team announced that Garcia would not be ready for Opening Day. However, after these latest developments, the recent update is a sigh of relief.

Garcia's 2025 campaign never panned out the way Blue Jays fans anticipated. He rejoined the team on a two-year, $15-million contract after being traded away midseason in 2024, then was shelved on the injured list at the end of May with a right shoulder impingement. After returning to the bullpen, a new elbow issue, which required surgery, ended his year. His 2025 season ended with a 3.86 ERA and 1.190 WHIP spanning across just 21 innings pitched, although he was one of the best arms in their bullpen before heading to the injured list.

A healthy Garcia would instantly bolster the bullpen, as he can strike batters out with the best of them. His strikeout ability has been well established over the past few seasons, posting strikeout rates of 28%, 32% (career high), and 27.8%, exactly the type of arm the Blue Jays could use at the back end of their bullpen. Although his 2025 season was lost, his velocity never wavered, averaging 96 mph on his fastball, the second-highest mark in his career.

The veteran reliever continued to punch out at high rates, but his command wasn't the same as what fans are used to. His 13.3% walk rate was his career-worst by five points, although you can point to the sample size of last season. Yes, it's easy to point to a smaller sample size of 22 games, but it's also important to point to constant and prolonged injuries which may have negatively affected his ability to find the zone at a consistent rate.

If Garcia can return to full health, he could quickly reclaim a high-leverage role in the Blue Jays bullpen, just like he has in previous seasons. Considering the Blue Jays have high postseason aspirations considering how many of the games top players they have on the roster already, having Garcia back at full strength would make a substantial difference.