Blue Jays GM Atkins Offers Key Injury Updates on Garcia & Santander, Eyes Trade Deadline Moves…..
TORONTO (June 30, 2025) – Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins sat down with reporters Monday to provide crucial updates on two key roster players—reliever Yimi Garcia and newly acquired outfielder Anthony Santander—while also outlining how their recoveries could influence the team’s strategy leading into the July trade deadline.
Yimi Garcia Nearing Return to Bullpen
Garcia, a veteran right-handed reliever, has been sidelined since May 22 due to a shoulder impingement. His last outing came during an extra-inning win over the San Diego Padres. Fortunately, a rehab appearance with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons this past Sunday went smoothly: he threw 22 pitches across two-thirds of an inning, recording a strikeout .
> “I think it’s just deciding whether it’s in the next day or two that he’s returning to our team,” said Atkins.
That’s an encouraging sign for a bullpen that has intermittently struggled this season. On the year, Garcia posted a solid 3.15 ERA over 20 innings—making him one of their most consistent late-inning arms . His imminent return could provide a welcome boost as the Jays prepare for a critical four-game series against the Yankees and look ahead to the trade deadline.
Anthony Santander Battling Shoulder Issue
On the other side of the coin: Anthony Santander, acquired this offseason on a five-year, $92.5 million contract, remains on the shelf with a left shoulder subluxation (a partial dislocation) sustained early in May when he slammed into the outfield wall in Anaheim .
Atkins admitted that Santander initially attempted to play through the discomfort, but the strain eventually got the better of him . As of now, he has not resumed swinging, although Atkins thinks his return to the plate may happen *“soon”* .
Even so, Santander could still return before the All-Star break, which this year falls in mid-July . That would allow him to provide a much-needed right-handed power presence in the lineup — something the Jays have sorely missed this season as he slumped to a .179 batting average, .577 OPS, six homers and 55 strikeouts over 50 games .
Contextualizing the Team’s Position
Toronto is currently 45–38, sitting in third place in the American League East, three games behind the Yankees. They’re also locked into a wild card spot . Their run differential is slightly negative (–3), suggesting that while they’ve outperformed their underlying numbers, there is room to improve .
GM Atkins acknowledged that the team still has clear areas for improvement—most notably starting pitching depth and a right-handed bat—and confirmed that ownership is prepared to spend at the trade deadline if needed .
> “The front office will focus on that ahead of the trade deadline,” Atkins said, adding the organization has the financial leeway to “flex that muscle.”
How Garcia & Santander Fit Into These Plans
The return of Garcia offers the Jays immediate relief, making the bullpen less of a priority at the deadline—with plans to buy instead on the rotation and lineup.
Santander, if he returns healthy and effective, brings a middle-of-the-order right-handed bat the Jays sorely need. His historical split . wRC+ versus left-handers (career 112; 121 last year) would give the offense additional versatility .
Atkins’ recent mention of prospect Trey Yesavage indicates that the door isn’t closed on internal reinforcements—particularly if upcoming call-ups can provide high-impact contributions .
Team Outlook and Next Steps
Bullpen – With Garcia closing in on a return, emphasis now shifts toward deepening the starting rotation, which ranks in the worst five in MLB in ERA and FIP .
Trade Deadline – The Blue Jays are expected to pursue both pitching and hitting options. Names floated include Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen, or versatile bats like Eugenio Suárez or Marcell Ozuna .
Santander’s Return – Expect his first swings in batting practice soon, and possibly a return before the All-Star break in mid-July.
Player Development – Younger players like Trey Yesavage remain in Atkins’ thoughts, though the primary focus remains on current roster needs .
Final Word
Ross Atkins’ transparent update provides much-needed clarity for Blue Jays fans: Garcia’s quick rehab progress could stabilize the bullpen in the short term, while Santander’s potential return may re-energize an offense that has lagged behind expectations. As the trade deadline looms, the organization appears poised to pursue reinforcements—especially in starting pitching and offensive depth—with ownership ready to invest.
All told, Toronto seems to be building momentum at a pivotal moment: a division-challenging stretch against the Yankees is
imminent, and every roster move now resonates with meaning.