The Toronto Blue Jays are dealing with both a setback and a possible boost as the season winds down. They’ve lost key reliever Yimi GarcÃa for the rest of the year because of elbow surgery, which definitely hurts their bullpen depth.
On the bright side, slugger Anthony Santander is making real progress toward a September return. If he comes back strong, he could add a dangerous bat to the lineup just as the playoff race heats up.
Yimi GarcÃa’s Season Cut Short
Losing GarcÃa is tough for the Blue Jays, especially since he’s been so reliable this season. The veteran righty needs a procedure to remove scar tissue from his throwing elbow, so his 2024 campaign is officially over.
Manager John Schneider said the surgery is both necessary and proactive. He expects GarcÃa to be fully ready for spring training next year, which is at least a bit of good news in all this.
GarcÃa’s Impact This Season
GarcÃa wasn’t the team’s main closer, but he played a big role in Toronto’s late-game bullpen mix. Over 21 innings, he posted a 3.86 ERA, tallied 25 strikeouts, and picked up three saves with a solid 1.19 WHIP.
He attacked hitters and limited baserunners, so the Jays trusted him in tight games. Now, they’ll have to lean on internal options to fill the gap, and the bullpen faces even more pressure as the season gets critical.
Anthony Santander’s Road to Recovery
GarcÃa’s absence stings, but there’s hope on the horizon. Anthony Santander has been making steady progress from a shoulder injury that’s kept him sidelined since late May.
He’s been rehabbing mostly at the team’s spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida. This week, though, he took a big step forward.
First Batting Practice Since May
On Friday, Santander took batting practice with the team for the first time in over two months. He also did running drills and defensive work, which suggests his all-around game is coming back together.
Manager John Schneider said Santander will keep working out with the team during the weekend series against the Brewers. After that, he’ll travel with them to Cincinnati.
Next Steps: Conditioning and Rehab
Santander will need a minor league conditioning stint before he rejoins the big league roster. The team is hoping for a September return, which could really help if things line up right.
The Potential DH Dilemma
Santander’s return brings some roster headaches, too. Earlier in the season, he struggled at the plate, hitting just .179 with six home runs and 18 RBIs before he landed on the injured list.
Still, the Jays are betting on him finding his groove down the stretch. It’s a bit of a gamble, but what else can they do?
George Springer’s Hot Bat
The designated hitter spot could get complicated. George Springer has been crushing it as the Jays’ primary DH, hitting .303 with 24 home runs and 67 RBIs.
If Santander slides into that DH role, it might mess with Springer’s rhythm. Schneider and his staff will have to juggle things carefully there.
What This Means for the Playoff Push
Toronto’s postseason hopes are still alive, but injuries and roster choices are going to shape their chances. GarcÃa’s absence leaves a hole in the bullpen, so other relievers need to step up in big moments.
Santander’s power could make a real difference if he gets hot fast after his rehab. There’s a lot riding on how these next few weeks play out.
Key Factors to Monitor
- How well the bullpen steps up without GarcÃa
- Santander’s health and performance in the minors
- How the team juggles Springer and Santander in the lineup
- Whether the offense stays consistent during the September playoff chase
The Blue Jays are facing some real roster shakeups right now. Their playoff hopes might depend on who steps up—maybe even someone we aren’t expecting.
They’ve lost an important arm, but there’s a chance a big bat returns soon. Toronto needs to squeeze everything they can from their pitching and offense in the coming weeks. It won’t be easy, but hey, that’s baseball.
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