Yimi García DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that right-handed reliever Yimi Garcia (shoulder) played catch on flat ground on Tuesday. Garcia is throwing for the first time since receiving a cortisone injection in his right shoulder last Monday. Until the 34-year-old resumes throwing off a mound, we won't have a clear timetable for his return from the 15-day injured list from a right-shoulder impingement. Although the Jays aren't too concerned about closer Jeff Hoffman's struggles this year at the back end of the bullpen, Garcia should remain a high-leverage arm for Toronto when he's cleared to return. Before getting injured, he had three saves, a 3.15 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 24 strikeouts and 10 walks in 20 relief innings with the Jays. Barring a setback as he continues to ramp up his arm, Garcia should have a chance to return to the big-league bullpen in June.

The Toronto Blue Jays are placing right-handed pitcher Yimi Garcia (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list. In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays are promoting right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz from Triple-A Buffalo. Garcia has not appeared in a game since May 22. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as Garcia could be sidelined longer than the 15-day minimum. Through his first 20 innings of work this season, Garcia has been a reliable high-leverage option for Toronto, logging a 3.15 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP. Garcia has tallied three saves and added six holds. Under the hood, he has generated a modest 4.04 xERA with a .246 xBA, which places him in the 44th and 54th percentiles, respectively. While he remains sidelined, Jeff Hoffman should remain the primary closer while Chad Green operates as the typical setup option.

According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed free-agent relief pitcher Yimi Garcia (elbow) to a two-year contract worth $15 million. Last season, Garcia opened the season in Toronto and was eventually traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for outfielder Jonatan Clase. Overall across 39 innings of work, the right-hander held a 3.46 ERA and a stellar 0.90 WHIP with five saves and 13 holds. Garcia's season was cut short in late August due to elbow inflammation. Under the hood, he generated an impressive .185 xBA, 32.0% strikeout rate and 34.4% hard-hit rate, which were all significantly above the average marks. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to spring training, as he may face an uphill battle to be ready for the season opener. With Garcia returning to Toronto, fantasy managers should expect him to operate as the go-to eighth inning option, but he could eventually mix in for save opportunities with Chad Green.