Blue Jays place Yimi Garcia on Injured List, recall Paxton Schultz

Garcia has been one of the Blue Jays’ best relievers this season, posting a 3.15 ERA and a 2.98 FIP in 20 innings pitched, with a 28.9 K% and a 12 BB%, the highest of his career. Garcia has been used as the Blue Jays’ set-up man this season, occasionally filling in for a save opportunity, where he has three saves and six holds.

The Jays’ bullpen hasn’t been fully healthy at any point this season. Both Erik Swanson and Ryan Burr have been on the Injured List from the get-go, although both are on rehab assignments at the moment.

This has led to a plethora of relievers who weren’t on the projected roster during Spring Training. Some, like Mason Fluharty and Braydon Fisher, have emerged from the minor leagues and have been excellent. Others, such as Richard Lovelady and Jacob Barnes have been cut, while the Jays have also gone to the free agent market to sign guys like Jose Urena and Spencer Turnbull (the latter has not pitched for the Jays yet).

Despite not having the best version of their bullpen for the entirety of the season, the Jays’ bullpen has been solid this season. Their 3.64 ERA ranks 11th-best in the league, and their 3.55 FIP ranks tied for seventh in the league. Moreover, the bullpen has a 28.3 K%, the best in MLB. A big reason for that is the emergence of Brendon Little, who has become one of the best left-handed relievers in the league.

The starting rotation has also been a bit of an issue this season, as Max Scherzer went on the Injured List after his first start. Scherzer appears to be on the road to a comeback, according to MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson, but Alek Manoah is starting to ramp up after receiving Tommy John surgery last season.

It seems like Manoah could be ready for the Blue Jays’ stretch run if there is one.