The Toronto Blue Jays announced that reliever Yimi García will be placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow ulnar neuritis. In a corresponding move, left-hander Brandon Eisert has been selected to the major league roster. Yariel Rodríguez will also join Eisert on the big league roster on Monday. Due to thoracic spin inflammation, Rodríguez was placed on the IL back on April 30th.
ROSTER MOVES:
? RHP Yimi García (Right Elbow Ulnar Neuritis) placed on 15-day IL
? LHP Brandon Eisert selected to Major League Roster and will be active tonight, wearing Number 60 pic.twitter.com/YYBUOvAyV5
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 17, 2024
Blue Jays Place Reliever Yimi García on 15-Day IL
García’s Injury
García’s MRI indicated ulnar nerve symptoms with no concern for any structural issues. Manager John Schneider called the injury a ‘zinger.’ So, while it is another player on the IL, the injury is not serious. This is somewhat of a relief for the Blue Jays. But García has been one of the most consistent and best pitchers in the Toronto bullpen this season. He currently sports a 3-0 record with a 2.57 ERA and five saves. He is a key reliever who the Blue Jays relied on heavily last season, and he was productive. Hopefully, García’s recovery will be speedy, and he has no setbacks. The Blue Jays will want him back as soon as possible.
García’s Impact on the Blue Jays
This injury is a bit of a hurdle for the Blue Jays in the short and long term. Garcia is significant to Toronto’s success. If the Blue Jays are going to push to get over .500 and contend for a wild card spot, they will need their best reliever. Missing him for the next (at least) two weeks won’t help that cause. Down the stretch, when September rolls around, there are going to be some close games, and the Blue Jays will need García. Also, if the Blue Jays are going to be sellers this season with the trade deadline, he would be the most highly sought-after reliever on the team.
So, it’s not the best news for the Blue Jays, and with Jordan Romano still injured, Chad Green will take over as the closer. This means a short-handed bullpen for the Blue Jays. Injuries have piled up this season, not just for the Blue Jays but for many teams. Two Los Angeles Dodgers stars, Mookie Betts and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, went on the IL over the weekend. The Chicago Cubs are dealing with a myriad of injuries as well. Every team goes through it at some point, and the Blue Jays will have to weather this storm to stay in the hunt.
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