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Blue Jays Claim Matt Waldron After Yimi Garcia's Season-Ending Injury
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- Blue Jays Claim Matt Waldron After Yimi Garcia's Season-Ending Injury
The Toronto Blue Jays will not be getting a key piece back into their bullpen during the 2026 season. Toronto signed right-hander Yimi Garcia to a two-year, $15 million deal back in December of 2024 to be an effective middle reliever and provide a bridge to their high-leverage arms.
Unfortunately, it may be one of the worst deals the Blue Jays have made in recent memory purely based on Garcia's availability. He missed most of 2025 due to multiple minor injuries that added up, making just 22 appearances.
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This year has been even worse, as Garcia will not make a single appearance for Toronto due to his slow recovery from right elbow surgery.
On Friday, manager John Schneider spoke with reporters and revealed that Garcia has been diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. While the team is weighing next steps, his season is over (h/t Shi Davidi of Sportsnet).
With Garcia no longer an option, Toronto pivoted and made a move to find an effective middle relief option through waivers.
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The Blue Jays claimed right-hander Matt Waldron from the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, adding him to the 40-man roster.
Moments before first pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, the team announced he had officially been activated and reported to the club. To clear space, the Blue Jays optioned right-hander Chase Lee to Triple-A.
Waldron struggled during his time in San Diego , posting a 7.16 ERA while working as both a starter and a reliever. He did pitch better in relief though prompting the Blue Jays to give him an opportunity.
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Toronto clearly sees something worth developing in him, and given that Garcia is now done for the year, the Blue Jays have a clear void in the bullpen that Waldron will step in to fill, however that ultimately plays out.
Related: George Springer Left in Tears After Blue Jays Trade
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
