The Toronto Blue Jays are one of the top teams in the MLB. Their recent losing skid aside, they have stumbled as of late, primarily due to a string of injuries. They have a host of pitchers out with injuries. However, help is coming soon, with the returns of Trey Yesavage and Jose Berrios. Additionally, the team is shoring up its depth with the recent signing of Josbel Garcia.
In addition to this new signing, the return timeline for their injured starters, Yesavage and Berrios, has been revealed. Their returns will be key in Toronto, so they can keep pace with the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Tampa Bay Rays.
Toronto Blue Jays Sign Josbel Garcia
A move that very much flew under the radar over the last several days was the signing of Garcia to a minor-league contract. According to the Blue Jays’ transaction page, this happened on April 7th.
Prior to signing with the Blue Jays, Garcia was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He was released earlier in March 2026.
Garcia is likely not going to pitch in the MLB any time soon. However, he is an intriguing player addition to their arsenal of arms. The 6-foot, 165 lb, 22-year-old right-handed pitcher has primarily played in the Rookie League with a handful of games in Single A.
Closer Role in the Cards?
One thing that immediately stands out about Garcia’s experience and statistics is his ability to close out games.
In 60 games of experience in the minors, he’s been handed nine save opportunities. Garcia has eight career saves, in addition to one hold. The only way he could collect more saves is if he is given more opportunities.
However, his ability to perform under pressure is there.
Following the signing, Garcia was assigned to the Blue Jays’ Florida Complex League team. Look for him to be in the mix for the closer role there when the FCL action picks up in May.
Garcia’s 94 MPH Fastball
A pitcher’s arsenal is crucial to their success. And in the case of Garcia, adding velocity to his fastball is going to be important in his search for an impactful role in the MLB one day.
In October, a report came out of every pitching prospect who added velocity to their fastball, and Garcia’s name was on it. During the 2025 season, Garcia’s fastball went from 92.2 MPH to 94.5 MPH. That’s an increase of 2.3 MPH.
While a 94 MPH fastball isn’t something to write home about in the big leagues, it’s a step in the right direction that (hopefully) signals more to come.
Blue Jays Injured Pitchers Returning Soon
Keegan Matheson recently revealed when Blue Jays fans can expect the returns of Yesavage and Berrios. While he laid out a timeline for both pitchers, the potential return of Yesavage is closer than Berrios’.
Timeline For Trey Yesavage’s Return
Matheson outlines a scenario where Yesavage will get one more rehab start and then return to the Blue Jays.
“Trey Yesavage will make another rehab start next TUE/WED,” Matheson wrote on social media. “Where it happens will depend somewhat on weather. He’ll get close to 70 pitches and it sounds like that could be his final rehab start. Which could mean: Two Corbin starts, then Yesavage back.”
This would be a great time for Yesavage to return, especially considering that Toronto has six games over the next seven days.
Jose Berrios
Berrios, on the other hand, will take a little bit longer to get up to game speed.
“José Berríos will likely begin his rehab in Minor League games next week, targeting 50 pitches in his first one,” Matheson wrote. “That likely means a couple more follow. Between Berríos and Yesavage, some much-needed help is on the way for the Blue Jays.”
Even though the Blue Jays aren’t getting Berrios back at the same time as Yesavage, that’s not a bad thing. Having to integrate one pitcher at a time will make things easier for the management and coaching staff.
Things are looking up for the Blue Jays.
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