The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to make another postseason run in 2026. John Schneider has made it clear that the Blue Jays are not defending anything this year. Instead, the team needs to go into the new season with the same mentality as 2025. However, they are going to have to do that without one of their key relievers.
Toronto lost Yimi Garcia for the year back in August of 2025. The right-hander did not undergo Tommy John surgery, but he did have some scar tissue removed that was pressing on a nerve. With this surgery, the plan was for Garcia to be ready for spring training.
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That is no longer the case.
Garcia has not progressed as quickly as the Blue Jays had hoped he would. Per SportsNet’s Shi Davidi, the 35-year-old has yet to throw off the mound. Garcia has gone as far as to say he will not be ready for opening day on March 27.
This is a massive setback for the Blue Jays, as they hoped Garcia would be able to make his return to the mound during spring training. That is no longer happening, and Toronto will have to find a way to start the year without him.
Blue Jays Bullpen