One of the most tumultuous units on the Toronto Blue Jays last season during their American League pennant run was the pitching staff.

And so far, it looks like that will be the case again in 2026.

Right-handed starting pitcher Bowden Francis was placed on the 60-day injured list due to UCL construction Feb. 18. A high-leverage reliever likely won't be out as long but he confirmed he'll miss time, as well.

In a story written by Shi Davidi for Sportsnet, right-handed reliever Yimi Garcia said that he was a little behind in his rehab and will "100%" not be ready for Opening Day on March 26.

"I feel good right now, I feel better than last season," Garcia said in Davidi's article. " ... It's a really long season, so we have to be smart and do the best we can."

Injuries have prematurely ended Garcia's season each of the last two seasons. 

The 35-year-old right-handed pitcher was placed ended the year on the IL Aug. 23, 2024 (retroactive to Aug. 20) due to right elbow inflammation. This was after the Blue Jays traded him to the Seattle Mariners.

Garcia's injury troubles didn't end with the Mariners. The Jays brought him back ahead of the 2025 season on a two-year, $15 million contract. He had two stints on the IL last season. One was due to right shoulder impingement and the second (and season-ending) one was due to a right ankle sprain.

Between his injuries and the brief excursion to the Pacific Northwest, Garcia has made 51 appearances for Toronto in the last two seasons. He's posted a 3.18 ERA and has struck out 67 batters in 51 innings pitched.

This will be the fifth season in a row Garcia has begun with the Blue Jays. He was originally signed on Dec. 1, 2021, to a two-year, $11 million contract with a vesting option for a third season.

In addition to the aforementioned ailments from the last two seasons, Garcia has also spent time on the shelf due to a back strain and right elbow neuritis since Toronto originally brought him in ahead of the 2022 season.

When Garcia has been healthy, he's been an effective high-leverage arm out of the bullpen.

Across his entire tenure with the Blue Jays, he's posted a 3.49 ERA and has fanned 204 batters in 178 innings pitched across 184 outings to go with 12 saves.

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