Yimi Garcia Injury: Blue Jays Bullpen Takes a Hit

The Garcia Injury

Before the Blue Jays took on the Tampa Bay Rays, Schneider talked with reporters about the Garcia injury. He stated that it had been developing for a couple of weeks, as reported by multiple Toronto reporters.

It’s a tough blow for a bullpen that has been shaky at best. The Toronto bullpen has thrown to a 4.09 ERA across 448.2 innings. Their ERA places them in the bottom third of the league entering play on Saturday.

Garcia was something of an anchor for the Blue Jays. The 34-year-old has a 3.15 ERA along with 24 strikeouts across 20 innings. He was primarily used in a setup role behind newly signed closer Jeff Hoffman. All told, Garcia has three saves and six holds.

While the numbers aren’t eye-popping, it’s a steady presence that the Blue Jays desperately need in a crowded AL East. Entering play Saturday, the Blue Jays were 25-25. That’s good for third place in the AL East, just behind the Boston Red Sox and 5.5 games behind the first place New York Yankees. With the AL Central having a strong showing early in the season, there will be slim margins for error in a crowded AL postseason picture.

The Role of Paxton Schultz

This year, Schultz reached the majors with the Blue Jays for the first time. The 27-year-old right-hander threw 6.2 innings for Toronto, giving up three runs and striking out 11. He offers a four-seamer that sits at about 93 MPH, a cutter, a changeup, and a slider to go along with it. While the stuff is there to garner swing and miss, it’s clear he can struggle with command at times. In the minors this season, he has walked seven across 20.2 innings. His brief stint in the majors saw two walks.

It will be interesting to see what Schneider and the Jays do in the back end of the bullpen. This will likely lead to increased high-leverage chances for Brendon Little, who has pitched magnificently and has landed amongst the top left-handers in the game. With Nick Sandlin still on the IL and now the Garcia injury, the Blue Jays will try to keep it together as the season rolls on.