Blue Jays injury updates: Santander making progress, Garcia not so much

The Toronto Blue Jays got a really big piece of the puzzle back into the lineup on Monday night when superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was hitting third in the order and playing DH against the Minnesota Twins. It was welcomed news for the Blue Jays who could ill afford to lose a player of Guerrero's status for a significant length of time. While the Blue Jays have done a solid job of building up their depth and lengthening their lineup, Guerrero brings that tangible threat that makes the job of the opposing pitcher that much more difficult.

There are, however, a couple other Blue Jays players who would love to return to the big leagues before the end of the 2025 season, but the progress toward that return has been slow going. Those players include switch-hitting outfielder Anthony Santander and relief pitchers Nick Sandlin and Yimi Garcia who remain on the injured list.

Blue Jays injury updates: Santander making progress, Garcia not so much

For Santander, he is reportedly the closets to returning but there is still no real time table set for when exactly he may be back in the starting lineup. Sportsnet reporter Arden Zwelling tweeted on Monday that Santander is progress well both in the offensive and defensize part of the game. Santander is in Toronto and he is hitting off a high-velocity pitching machine, and will also get some work in, shagging fly balls.

Santander hasn't played since May 29 after experiencing shoulder inflammation. An injury which he has yet to recover from and something where he has experienced a few setbacks in his recovery. Speaking of setbacks, Sandlin was throwing in Toronto before being shutdown due to discomfort in his elbow.

Sandlin has been sidelined since early July due to right elbow inflammation and had gotten to the point where he was able to play catch at 120 feet, while rehabbing in Florida. Unfortunately, he's been stopped in that progress for the time being. Once again, Zwelling had an update regarding Sandlin saying the Blue Jays reliever came up to Toronto to be assessed by Blue Jays staff regarding that discomfort. The hope is it's just minor but they will have to do further evaluations.

Last, but not least, Zwelling had an update regarding Garcia and that was the least encouraging update of them all. Zwelling says Garcia has not been bouncing back well in between his throwing sessions as he is trying to recover from ulnar nerve symptoms. Garcia will also be looking for a second opinion on his injury.

The Blue Jays at 76-55 (entering Monday's game) have been able to get through most of the season without the three aformentioned players. However, a return to full health for any of them before the end of the 2025 season could be a welcomed addition to this club.