Yimi García Sharp in Rehab Outing as Blue Jays Eye Return

Summary:

• Yimi García struck out all three hitters in a perfect inning for Triple-A Buffalo.
• The reliever threw 13 pitches and reached 94.4 mph with his fastball.
• Toronto is reportedly considering activating him during an upcoming road trip. 

Toronto Blue Jays’ relief pitcher Yimi García took an important leap in his injury comeback on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during a rehab appearance in a baseball game.

The 35-year-old managed to strike out all three batters in the game against the Charlotte Knights.

His Speed Is Coming Back

García needed just 13 pitches to complete a clean inning, with nine of those going for strikes. 

His four-seam fastball averaged 94.4 miles per hour, a sign that his velocity is returning as he continues working his way back to the major league roster.

The outing marked his seventh rehab appearance this year alone, and his third with Buffalo. The player has been on the side since July 2, 2025, when he was last pitched for the Blue Jays in the game against the New York Yankees prior to undergoing elbow surgery. 

Before his injury, he posted a 3.86 earned run average over 22 appearances in the 2025 season.

According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, Yimi García could be in line to rejoin the Blue Jays during their upcoming road trip, depending on how the team evaluates his recovery and readiness at the major league level.

Third in the American League East 

Toronto currently sits third in the American League East with a 34–38 record and remains in the mix for postseason contention. 

The Blue Jays are two games behind the Athletics for the final American League Wild Card spot, making bullpen reinforcements a timely boost if García is activated.

If García receives the green light tomake his official return, his comeback would represent a welcome addition for a bullpen that has been dealing with inconsistency.

According to his latest rehab performance, he seems to be moving closer to being ready for MLB action once again.