There’s more bad news on the injury front for veteran reliever Yimi García.

García — who’s yet to make his Toronto Blue Jays debut this season — was pulled off his rehab assignment earlier this week due to nagging neck soreness, and is now scheduled to visit a thoracic outlet syndrome specialist on Tuesday to determine whether he’ll require season-ending surgery, manager John Schneider revealed prior to Friday’s contest, as relayed by Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling. 

It’s been a miserable stop-and-start year for the 35-year-old hurler, who’ll turn 36 next month and is in the final season of his two-year, $15 million contract. If it’s determined that he needs surgery, it’ll mark the end of a disappointing return to the franchise.

After being traded to the Seattle Mariners as part of Toronto’s sell-off two years ago, García came back during the ensuing off-season on a multi-year deal. His availability, or lack thereof, has been well documented since then.

In 2025, the right-hander’s season was cut short after 21.0 innings (22 appearances) due to elbow soreness, which ultimately required surgery last winter. The club then slow-played his build-up during the spring, meaning he’d open the year on the injured list. But it’s been one setback after another in the months that have followed.

García, yet to pitch in the majors since July 2, 2025, has thrown countless bullpen and live BP sessions this season, while also appearing in nine rehab games — split across three separate stints. Between issues with his neck, biceps and elbow, he hasn’t been able to make it any further thus far, and pending the outcome of his upcoming specialist appointment, this might be as far as it gets.

The typical recovery timeline for thoracic outlet syndrome is 3-6 months. But due to the nature of this procedure, there have been cases over the years where it’s taken longer to make a full recovery.

Given García’s age and uncertain contractual future, should he undergo surgery, there’ll also be questions about what 2027 holds for the former high-leverage reliever.

Schneider also shared that Lenyn Sosa (wrist contusion) has been taking live batting practice this week down in Dunedin, Fla., at the club’s player development complex. Next up will be returning to rehab games.

Separately, Jonatan Clase (plantar fasciitis) has resumed hitting and throwing drills at the PDC, but he’s yet to begin a running progression. Until he does, mapping out the start of a rehab assignment will be difficult.

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