Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues battling alongside the Toronto Blue Jays to stay competitive in the weeks ahead, but theyâll now have to do it without one of their bullpen arms after a minor tub accident landed him on the 15-day IL.
The player in question is Yimi GarcĂa, a reliable reliever whoâs appeared in 22 games this MLB season, logging 21 innings with a 3.86 ERA. He suffered a sprained ankle and will now undergo an MRI to assess potential ligament damage.
While not the most significant loss for the Blue Jays bullpen, losing a pitcher like Yimi GarcĂa could certainly impact both the defense and offense, which players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are part of. GarcĂa, who has been with the team since 2022, knows the club well and understands theyâll miss his arm.
Will the Blue Jays Suffer Without GarcĂa?
Not necessarily. GarcĂa was second in bullpen appearances, trailing only Braydon Fisher. However, among bullpen pitchers who arenât official starters or relievers but have appeared in 10 or more games, Nick Sandlin boasts the best ERA at 2.45.
What is certain is GarcĂaâs extensive experience. At 34 years old, with previous stints with the Dodgers, Marlins, Astros, and Mariners, heâs a pitcher who can contribute significantly in tough moments for a team like the Blue Jays, who are striving to remain at the top of their division.
