Yimi Garcia’s return is uncertain and it doesn’t look good

All is well with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025. Except perhaps in the bullpen.

Number one reliever Jeff Hoffman is struggling to stay above league average with 28 saves and a 4.17 ERA after two good seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies.

As for the rest of the relievers, it's very thin, with the exception of Brendon Little, who has an earned-run average of 2.88 in 56 and one-third innings of work on the mound.

Part of the reason for this lack of depth is the absence of Yimi Garcia, who has been one of the most important parts of Toronto's reliever bullpen over the past four seasons. Garcia was placed on the injured list last May with a shoulder injury, before being activated on July 2, but returning to the injured list on July 5.

And his absence could well be prolonged, as according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling, Garcia is struggling with ulnar nerve symptoms and has not responded well to recent training sessions.

Yimi Garcia (ulnar nerve symptoms) hasn't been bouncing back well between recent throwing sessions and is going to visit with Dr. Keith Meister for another opinion on his elbow – date TBD

– Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) August 25, 2025

The 35-year-old will visit Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, for another opinion on his elbow. Meister is one of the foremost elbow surgeons in baseball and operates for the Texas Rangers.

A second opinion from a specialist probably means elbow surgery, an internal splint or Tommy John surgery. The last option would be the worst-case scenario, as it would take over a year to make a full recovery.

If Garcia were to undergo surgery, it would be a major blow to the Blue Jays' reliever bullpen not only this year, but next season as well.

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