The Toronto Blue Jays have made a significant change to their bullpen by placing right-hander Yimi Garcia on the 15-day injured list due to a sore elbow. This move follows a crucial moment where Garcia had to leave a save opportunity against the Cleveland Guardians with two outs in the ninth inning. To fill the gap left by Garcia, the Blue Jays have selected the contract of left-hander Brandon Eisert from Triple-A Buffalo.
Garcia's Impact and Injury Status
Yimi Garcia has been one of Toronto’s most reliable relievers this season. The 10-year veteran boasts an impressive 3-0 record with a 2.57 ERA across 27 games. Over 28 innings, Garcia has struck out 37 batters while issuing only seven walks. Despite an MRI revealing no structural damage in his elbow, Garcia’s absence will nevertheless be a significant blow to the Blue Jays' bullpen.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider commented on the situation, stating, "An MRI revealed no structural damage in Garcia's elbow." However, Garcia's temporary removal from the lineup exacerbates ongoing issues for the Blue Jays, whose bullpen has been struggling. Toronto's relievers have a collective 4.69 ERA, the fourth-worst mark in the majors.
Chad Green Steps Up
With Garcia on the injured list, right-hander Chad Green will now handle the majority of save opportunities. This is a critical adjustment for the Blue Jays, who are already operating with a depleted bullpen. Garcia's placement on the IL leaves the team without three key relievers. Compounding this issue, Jordan Romano has been on the IL since May 30 due to a sore shoulder, marking his second stint on the injured list this season. Romano’s absence has been a significant blow to the bullpen's depth.
Erik Swanson's Struggles
Adding to the bullpen's woes, Erik Swanson was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on May 28 after experiencing significant struggles, evidenced by a 9.22 ERA in 17 appearances. His challenges have continued in Triple-A, where he has allowed six runs over 5 1/3 innings. These continued struggles have made Swanson unavailable as a backup, putting more pressure on the remaining bullpen arms.
Brandon Eisert's Promotion
In response to these significant absences, the Blue Jays have turned to Brandon Eisert. Eisert’s promotion from Triple-A Buffalo indicates the organization has confidence in his ability to contribute at the major league level. This move is an attempt to stabilize a bullpen severely lacking in experienced relievers.
Joey Votto's Rehab Assignment
Meanwhile, first baseman Joey Votto has begun a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League. Votto, who suffered an ankle injury in spring training, has yet to play for the Blue Jays this season. His eventual return could provide a much-needed boost to the team's lineup, adding both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Future Outlook
The Blue Jays’ strategy for bullpen management will be crucial in the coming weeks. They will rely heavily on new additions and the remaining bullpen arms to stabilize their pitching resources. Much will depend on how quickly injured and sidelined players can recover and return to aid the Blue Jays in what has already been a challenging season for their relievers.
As manager John Schneider succinctly put it, "Right-hander Chad Green will handle most save opportunities," signaling that the team is prepared to adapt quickly amid these setbacks. The road ahead will test the depth and resilience of Toronto's bullpen, but with strategic management and a bit of luck on the injury front, the Blue Jays can remain competitive.