John Schneider announces update on Toronto Blue Jays reliever Yimi Garcia

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider says reliever Yimi Garcia is making encouraging progress as he works his way back this spring.

According to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling, Yimi Garcia threw off a mound Saturday for the first time during spring training as he continues recovering from elbow issues.

Yimi Garcia throwing off a mound for the first time this spring on Saturday morning at Blue Jays camp

Schneider called Garcia a «huge part» of the Blue Jays’ bullpen and said it was «pretty cool» to see the veteran right-hander back on the mound again.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider: “He’ll continue that progression. It was so good just to see him off the mound. He’s a huge part of our bullpen.

You don’t get excited about bullpens at this time in spring training. But when Yimi’s back up there, it’s pretty cool.”

While Garcia is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, the team doesn’t anticipate a lengthy absence.

The reliever expressed confidence in his recovery, saying he currently feels better than he did last season.

Toronto appears to be taking a cautious approach with Garcia’s return, prioritizing his long-term health even if it means he misses some time in March and April.

A healthy Garcia could play a major role in Toronto’s bullpen this season

Some around the team believe his presence last year might have made a difference during the club’s World Series run, and the Jays once again view him as an important piece of their late-inning mix.

Although Garcia won’t be ready for Opening Day, he will continue progressing through his throwing program and could return to a late-inning role early in the season if his recovery remains on track.

When he does return, Garcia is expected to join postseason standout Louis Varland and offseason addition Tyler Rogers as key setup options ahead of closer Jeff Hoffman.

Previously on Blue Jays Central