The Blue Jays need this reliever back from the IL ASAP

Among all MLB teams after August 3rd, the Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen ranks 18th in team ERA (4.03) and second in strikeouts (457). These numbers are heavily skewed by recently designated for assignment Chad Green's 5.56 ERA, current relievers on the 26-man roster, Mason Fluharty's 5.63 ERA, and Jeff Hoffman's 4.66 ERA. On the opposite side, stat-wise, Yariel Rodríguez, Brendon Little, and Braydon Fisher have been integral to the bullpen's success, all with ERA's under 2.80 in at least 32 innings of work.

Yimi García and Nick Sandlin have been on the injury list since the first week of July, which led to the urgency to add bullpen arms at the trade deadline. The additions of Seranthony Domínguez and Louis Varland were much needed to bring stability and depth to the bullpen, but the Blue Jays could use the return of Sandlin as soon as possible.

Sandlin has struggled to stay healthy this season, spending more time on the injured list than he has on the pitcher's mound, but when he's been on the mound, he's been outstanding. This season, he has pitched in only 16 1/3 innings but has a 2.20 ERA, allowing hitters to hit only .186 off him.

The most impressive stat is that in 30 plate appearances, Sandlin uses his sidearm approach to hold left-handed batters to a .120 batting average against him. With the lack of left-handed pitchers in the bullpen, it's a big boost having a right-hander shut down the opposite side of the plate.

Sandlin has made two trips to the injury list this season. The first trip was April 20th with a right lat strain. He missed two months, returning on June 20th, but that was short-lived, with a second trip on July 8th due to right elbow inflammation. On July 21st, the righty started playing catch; however, three days later, Sandlin was shut down from throwing for a week after receiving a cortisone shot in his right elbow.

Sandlin will be re-examined during the week, and a clearer picture will be formed; however, there is optimism that he will return this season. The Blue Jays' bullpen has strengthened after the trade deadline with the additions of Domínguez and Varland, but the team needs all arms on deck to hold off the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees for the AL East title and a deep postseason run.