Toronto Blue Jays reliever Yimi Garcia has been working toward making his return for the major league club. The 35-year-old righty has been recovering from right elbow surgery that he underwent last year. Garcia has made eight rehab appearances in the minors this season split between three different leagues. This includes four appearances for Triple-A Buffalo, where he allowed eight earned runs and struck out five batters.
However, Garcia has now suffered another setback with his rehab, which is simply rough news for both him and the Blue Jays. According to The Athletic's Mitch Bannon, Garcia is heading back to Toronto meet with the Blue Jays' doctors, and they are hoping it doesn't force the 11-year veteran to be shut down again.
Yimi Garcia is coming back to Toronto to meet with team doctors. They hope it doesn’t lead to a shut down, but TBD #BlueJays
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) June 22, 2026
In addition, MLB.com's Keegan Matheson reported that Garcia meeting with the Blue Jays' doctors is due to soreness after his most recent rehab appearance.
Yimi GarcÃa had some soreness after his last rehab outing, so he’s meeting with the #BlueJays’ doctors now.
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) June 22, 2026
Long, slow rehab process is on pause for now.
With the Blue Jays currently in a tight spot in the standings, it is undoubtedly concerning that Garcia has suffered another setback. They miss him in their bullpen, and they will be hoping that he does not need to miss much more time to recover. In 22 appearances last season for the Blue Jays, Garcia had a 1-2 record and a 3.86 ERA.
While the Blue Jays got some bad news with Garcia, their pitching staff is getting a major boost elsewhere. This is because the Blue Jays have reinstated Shane Bieber from the 60-day injured list. In addition, the Blue Jays shared that he will be active for their game (Jun. 23) against the Houston Astros.
Bieber has not pitched this season at all for the Blue Jays due to forearm and elbow fatigue. However, with the 6-foot-3 righty being reinstated from the injured list, that is set to change.
Getting Bieber back is massive for the Blue Jays, as he could play a key role within Toronto's pitching staff. The former Cy Young Award winner appeared in seven games last season for Toronto after being acquired from the Cleveland Guardians. He went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA, and 37 strikeouts.
Blue Jays make multiple roster moves with Bieber returning
With Bieber's reinstatement, reliever Lazaro Estrada has been optioned to Triple-A Buffalo, while fellow righty Hayden Juenger has been designated for assignment.
ROSTER MOVES:
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 23, 2026
🔹 RHP Shane Bieber reinstated from 60-day IL and will be active today
🔹 RHP Lazaro Estrada optioned to Triple-A
🔹 RHP Hayden Juenger designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/Ca978rB9lg
Estrada has appeared in two games this season for the Blue Jays, where he has a 2.84 ERA and three strikouts in 6.1 innings pitched. He will now be looking to make an impact after being sent back down to Triple-A Buffalo. In five games this season with the Triple-A club, he has a 2.92 ERA and 13 strikeouts.
As for Juenger, he appeared in his first two career major league games this season for the Blue Jays. In 2.0 innings pitched, he allowed three earned runs. His most recent appearance for Toronto was on Jun. 3 against the Atlanta Braves.
