Yimi Garcia's long road back to the Toronto Blue Jays has taken another painful turn, and this time it may close the book on his season entirely.
Garcia hasn't pitched for Toronto at all this year, spending months working through elbow surgery recovery before dealing with neck and nerve symptoms that forced the club to seek another medical opinion.
John Schneider told reporters Friday ahead of Toronto's series opener in Philadelphia that Garcia has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome.
Garcia hasn't yet decided whether to pursue surgery, but Schneider said his season is "most likely" over, according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling.
The diagnosis followed another rehab assignment cut short by neck soreness, with Garcia scheduled to see a specialist after this latest setback.
Across nine minor league rehab appearances this season, Garcia has thrown just 7.2 innings, still without a single big league outing since last pitching for Toronto on July 2, 2025.
Why the timing stings for both Garcia and the bullpen
This news comes in the final season of the two-year, $15 million deal Garcia signed before 2025, meaning his time in Toronto may be ending without ever getting back on a major league mound this year.
He made 22 appearances for Toronto last season, posting a 3.86 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 21 innings, real production that made this comeback attempt worth the effort in the first place.
Toronto's bullpen has dealt with plenty of turnover already this season, and losing any real hope of Garcia's return removes one more potential veteran option down the stretch.
It's a bit like watching a long home renovation get delayed one final time, right as the finish line finally seemed within reach.
Does this diagnosis effectively end Garcia's time in Toronto for good, or is there still a scenario where he returns on a new deal if healthy next season?
For now, Toronto waits on Garcia's surgery decision, closing out what's been an exceptionally difficult final chapter to his time with this organization.
Do you think Yimi Garcia's time with the Blue Jays is over for good?
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