Yimi García Injury News & Updates

Garcia's $6 million option for 2024 vested Sunday during his relief appearance in Toronto's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Angels, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Though Garcia took his fourth loss of the season while allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit in the outing, he was at least able to earn himself a guaranteed contract for 2024 in the process. Per the terms of the two-year deal Garcia signed with Toronto in November 2021, Garcia triggered the $6 million option since the relief appearance was his 110th between the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The 32-year-old right-hander should thus remain locked into a key setup role for the Blue Jays through 2024, though his path to picking up saves in the short-term became more challenging after Toronto acquired hard-throwing righty Jordan Hicks from St. Louis on Sunday to bolster the back end of the bullpen while All-Star closer Jordan Romano (back) is on the injured list.

Garcia recorded the final out of Friday's 4-1 win over the Angels to collect his third save of the season.

Jordan Romano started the ninth inning but loaded the bases with two outs before being lifted after his lower back locked up, and Garcia was able to retire Mickey Moniak to preserve the win. An MRI on Romano's back after the All-Star break didn't reveal any structural issues, but the Blue Jays will likely send their closer for further testing to try and determine the cause of the recurring trouble. Garcia is the next man up in the bullpen -- all three of his saves on the season have come in July, and he has a 1.80 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 11:1 K:BB through 10 innings on the month.

Garcia picked up the save Saturday against the Diamondbacks, allowing two hits while striking out one over a scoreless inning.

With Jordan Romano still recovering from a lower back injury, Garcia entered the contest with a 5-2 lead in the ninth inning and got into trouble early after allowing singles to Lourdes Gurriel and Jake McCarthy. However, the right-handed reliever managed to pitch his way out of it, needing just four pitches to retire the final two batters and secure his second save of the season. Garcia is now 2-for-2 in save opportunities and has not allowed a run since June 17 against the Rangers.

Garcia (3-3) struck out two in a perfect inning of relief Sunday to pick up the win in an extra-inning victory over the Tigers.

With the score tied in the ninth inning, Garcia took the mound and set down Detroit's 8-9-1 hitters before Toronto took the lead in the top of the 10th. The right-hander has two wins, a save and a hold over the course of a nine-appearance scoreless streak, and since the beginning of June, Garcia boasts a 1.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and dazzling 15:1 K:BB over 12 innings as he pushes his way back into a high-leverage role for the Blue Jays.

Garcia earned a save against the White Sox on Thursday by retiring both batters he faced.

The contest remained scoreless through 10 frames before Toronto put up six runs in the top of the 11th. Chicago came back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the inning and put two runners on base with one out, at which point Garcia was called upon to extinguish the fire. The right-hander needed just six pitches to do so, retiring both batters he faced for his first save of the campaign. Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano worked a scoreless 10th and picked up the victory, so there's nothing to see here in terms of Garcia's role -- he'll likely get some high-leverage work, but Romano has a near monopoly on save chances.

Garcia (knee) is expected to avoid the injured list, Mitch Bannon of SI.com reports.

Garcia hasn't pitched since experiencing right knee discomfort during a relief appearance Saturday versus the Athletics, but he should be available again out of the Toronto bullpen within the next couple of days.

Garcia left Saturday's relief appearance against the Athletics with discomfort in his right knee, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters that the injury is one that has been bothering Garcia for a while. The right-hander should be considered day-to-day, but a trip to the injured list can't be ruled out; especially if this is something that will keep Garcia out for more than a day or two.

Garcia left Saturday's game versus the Athletics with an apparent injury, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

Garcia picked up two outs before he was forced to leave the game. Jordan Romano has taken over on the mound. For now, Garcia should be considered day-to-day with further updates likely before Sunday's finale against the A's.

Garcia (1-3) took the loss Thursday, giving up a run on four hits in an inning of relief against the Orioles. He struck out two.

After getting the final out of the fifth inning, Garcia stayed in for the sixth and got tagged for three straight two-out singles to allow what proved to be the winning run for Baltimore. The right-hander has slipped out of a high-leverage role in the Toronto bullpen -- he has eight holds on the season, but only one over the last month -- and he's been scored upon in five of his last nine appearances, posting an 8.00 ERA and 1.89 WHIP despite a 12:0 K:BB through nine innings over that stretch.

Garcia blew the save during Sunday's 10-8 loss to the Mariners in extras, allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out two over 1.1 innings.

Garcia replaced Anthony Bass in a one-run game with two on and two out in the eighth. He got out of the inning by striking out Taylor Trammell, who hit a grand slam earlier in the contest, and he came out for the ninth with Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson presumably unavailable after pitching Friday and Saturday. Garcia walked the leadoff hitter in the ninth and surrendered a two-out, game-tying RBI single to J.P. Crawford before getting out of the frame. It was Garcia's second blown save in as many chances, and he likely won't get too many more high-leverage outings anytime soon.

Garcia (1-0) gave up two runs on two hits and two walks in the eighth inning of Thursday's 10-9 victory over the Cardinals, getting charged with a blown save but picking up the win.

Few pitchers on either side fared well in the wild Opening Day contest, but it's noteworthy that Erik Swanson entered the game in fifth inning with the score tied 5-5 while Garcia got the nod in the eighth after the Jays had taken a brief 8-7 lead. If he remains the team's primary setup man in front of closer Jordan Romano, Garcia could top last year's career-high 22 holds, but he'll need to pitch better than he did Thursday to keep the spot.

Garcia gave up a hit in a scoreless eighth inning during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Rays.

The right-hander didn't allow a run in two innings while pitching for the Dominican Republic during the WBC, and he's also delivered three clean innings for the Jays in Grapefruit League play. Garcia's combined 2:0 K:BB over that time isn't exactly dominant, but he's still set to be one of the primary setup men for closer Jordan Romano in 2023, and he recorded a career-high 22 holds in that role last year.

Garcia pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn a save over the Yankees on Saturday.

Toronto closer Jordan Romano pitched in each of the first two games of the series, so Garcia was given the task of preserving the team's three-run, ninth-inning lead. He threw 17 pitches to retire the side in order and notch his first save of the campaign. Garcia saved 15 games for Miami last season, but Adam Cimber has gotten the majority of the closing opportunities when Romano has been unavailable this season.

Garcia (2-4) picked up the win in Wednesday's 6-1 victory over the Orioles, striking out one in a perfect two-thirds of an inning.

The right-hander relieved Ross Stripling with one out in the seventh inning of a scoreless tie, and Garcia wound up as the pitcher of record when the Blue Jays offense erupted in the bottom half of the frame. The right-hander continues to work in a setup role for Toronto, and since the All-Star break he has five holds in 10 appearances along with a 2.79 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 10:5 K:BB through 9.2 innings.

Garcia threw a perfect sixth inning in Friday's 5-2 extra-innings loss to the Mariners.

Garcia's first appearance since he returned from a back strain saw him pitch well in a 2-2 contest. The right-hander has mainly worked as a setup man in 2022, logging a 3.29 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB with 12 holds, three blown saves and a 1-3 record through 27.1 innings. Garcia should continue to be part of the high-leverage mix for the Blue Jays, though Jordan Romano has shown no signs of relinquishing the closer role.

Garcia (back) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Garcia struck out two in a perfect inning during his lone rehab appearance at Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, and he'll rejoin the Blue Jays' bullpen ahead of Friday's game against Seattle. The right-hander should reclaim high-leverage duties for the Blue Jays after he picked up 12 holds in 28 appearances to begin the year.

Garcia (back) is with Toronto for its weekend series at Seattle but has not yet been activated from the injured list, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

Garcia has been sidelined since June 21 with a back strain and threw one inning in a rehab outing with Triple-A Buffalo on Monday. He could immediately return to a high-leverage role, as he recorded 12 holds in 28 appearances prior to being sidelined.

Garcia (back) may require only one rehab appearance after striking out two batters in one inning Monday, Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun reports.

According to Longley, manager Charlie Montoyo was impressed with Garcia's first rehab appearance, and he noted that it's possible Garcia could rejoin the team in Seattle, meaning Monday would serve as his lone MiLB outing. The club will likely check in on the right-hander Tuesday to ensure he's feeling strong before making a decision on whether he'll require another appearance in the minors.

Garcia (back) will begin a rehab assignment Monday with Triple-A Buffalo.

Garcia landed on the injured list in late June with a sore back, but it did not take him long to recover. Given that he has only been out a couple weeks, he may not need to appear in more than a game or two before rejoining the major-league roster.

Garcia was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with a left back strain, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The right-hander was reported to be dealing with discomfort in his left side earlier this week, but the injury has now been diagnosed as a back strain. It's unclear exactly how long Garcia will be sidelined, though he'll be eligible to be reinstated from the injured list July 7. Jonathan Beasley was added to the 26-man roster in a corresponding move.

Garcia is dealing with lower-back inflammation, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Reports from earlier in the week indicated Garcia was dealing with discomfort in his left side, but the issue is evidently in his lower back. He tested the injury by throwing some pitches Friday, but the Blue Jays have yet to announce if he's cleared to pitch.

Garcia wasn't available during Wednesday's win over the White Sox due to left side discomfort, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Garcia tossed a scoreless inning during Tuesday's win over the White Sox, but he's apparently dealing with a side issue following the outing. The Blue Jays have a scheduled day off Thursday, and the right-hander will be re-evaluated ahead of Friday's series opener against Milwaukee.

Garcia (1-3) picked up the win Sunday against the Yankees, striking out three batters over 1.1 perfect innings.

The right-hander put together one of his most impressive outings of the season against one of the league's most dangerous offenses, and Garcia got rewarded for his efforts in top of the seventh inning when the Blue Jays re-took the lead for good in the bottom of the frame. He has yet to record a hold in June, but the 31-year-old has been scored upon only once in his last 10 appearances, posting a 2.89 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 14:2 K:BB in 9.1 innings over that stretch.

Garcia (0-3) took the loss against the Red on Sunday, giving up one run on three hits while striking out one in one inning.

Things could have been worse for the right-hander, but he still served up a game-winning solo shot to Joey Votto before escaping the frame. Garcia was brought in to help solidify Toronto's setup crew ahead of closer Jordan Romano, but instead he's supplied a 3.94 ERA and awful 16.4 percent strikeout rate through 16 innings. The 31-year-old does have eight holds in 17 appearances, but he could lose his grip on a high-leverage role if he doesn't turn things around.

Garcia was ejected from Tuesday's game against the Yankees, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The right-hander entered with two runners on and immediately surrendered a three-run homer to Giancarlo Stanton, and he was ejected after plunking the next batter, Josh Donaldson, in an 0-1 count. Garcia could face some additional discipline should MLB determine any intent from the hit by pitch.

Garcia (0-2) took the loss Monday as the Blue jays were downed 3-2 by the Yankees, allowing one run on two hits over one inning. He struck out one without walking a batter.

Entering a tie game in the top of the ninth inning, Garcia gave up a couple singles with a stolen base in between to cough up the winning run for the Yankees. The right-hander didn't allow an earned run through his first eight appearances for Toronto, but he's been tagged for five in his last 1.1 innings, leaving him with a 4.82 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and mediocre 6:3 K:BB on the season. Garcia's five holds are tied for the team lead, but he could fall out of a high-leverage role if his struggles continue much longer.

Garcia threw a 25-pitch live bullpen session Saturday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Garcia missed around two weeks of camp while waiting to secure a visa. The team has remained hopeful that he will be available on Opening Day, and this is another step towards that goal. Garcia could appear in a spring training contest soon, depending on how he recovers from his recent session.

Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said Wednesday that Garcia (visa issues) has arrived at the team's big-league camp and could throw a bullpen session Friday, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Though he's missed nearly two weeks' worth of workouts while looking to secure a visa, Garcia shouldn't require much ramp-up time, considering that he's a reliever who historically hasn't worked more than one or two innings per appearance. He's expected to fill a setup role for Toronto in 2022 after he went 15-for-18 in save chances while posting a 4.21 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 60:18 K:BB in 57.2 innings last season between stops in Houston and Miami.

Garcia's visa issues are nearly resolved, and he should arrive at camp Thursday or Friday, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.

Garcia is facing a fairly substantial visa delay, but the Blue Jays aren't ruling him out for Opening Day. He's been able to throw back in Venezuela and is expected to require just two or three Grapefruit League appearances to be ready.

Garcia will be a late arrival to spring training due to visa issues, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Garcia landed a two-year contract with the Blue Jays shortly before the lockout, but he'll have a delayed start to camp due to his visa issues. It's not yet clear how long the right-hander will be away from the team or whether his absence will impact his availability to begin the regular season.

Garcia agreed to a contract with the Blue Jays on Saturday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

The 31-year-old righty has a 3.53 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 19.9 K-BB% and 16 saves over the past three seasons. He notched 15 saves for Miami last season before getting traded to the Astros. Jordan Romano is the presumed closer in Toronto, but Garcia could work in a setup role.

Garcia (3-9) was tagged with the loss in relief Saturday against Arizona after allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits while striking out one across one inning.

Garcia had tossed three scoreless outings this week but the wheels fell off in this one, and he couldn't get the job done in extras after allowing three runs in the top of the tenth. The 31-year-old reliever has been wildly inconsistent this month and owns a 6.14 ERA through eight appearances in September, allowing at least one run in three of his last six trips to the mound.

The Astros acquired Garcia from the Marlins on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league outfielder Bryan De La Cruz, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

De La Cruz isn't a top-tier prospect, but a 24-year-old with an .880 OPS at Triple-A is a decent return for a rental reliever in Garcia, who is signed to an affordable one-year, $1.9 million contract in his final year of arbitration. Prior to being dealt, the 30-year-old right-hander emerged as the Marlins' primary closer this season, converting 15 of 18 save attempts while posting a 3.47 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 8.7 K/9. Unfortunately for his fantasy managers, Garcia's value will take a significant hit moving forward, as he's unlikely to challenge All-Star closer Ryan Pressly for save opportunities in Houston. Instead, Garcia will become a key part of the bridge to the ninth inning.

Garcia recorded his 15th save of the season Saturday against the Padres after tossing a scoreless ninth inning, walking one and fanning one.

Garcia handled the ninth inning with a one-run lead and while he walked Trent Grisham to start his outing, he quickly closed things out by striking out Manny Machado and then inducing Wil Myers to a double play. This was Garcia's 15th save of the season and he has converted each of his last six save chances.

Garcia did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless 10th inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Nationals.

Garcia was called upon to maintain a two-run lead in the 10th inning and needed only nine pitches to lock down his 14th save of the season. It was his first save since July 3, and he had been shaky in four outings since, allowing five earned runs, seven hits and four walks across just 3.1 innings. Therefore, this was a necessary clean outing for Garcia and may have been enough for him to hang onto the closer role. Anthony Bender picked up a save on July 4, and he could be next in line for saves if the team decides to make a change. However, Bender had pitched three of the last four days so was likely unavailable for this contest.

Garcia gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 13th save of the season in a 3-2 win over Atlanta.

After a brief rough patch in late May and early June, Garcia has bounced back in impressive fashion, posting a 2.25 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 9:1 K:BB over his last eight innings while converting all four of his save chances. The 30-year-old remains locked into the closer role for Miami.

Garcia allowed one hit and had two strikeouts in one inning to pick up the save in Saturday's win over Washington.

Garcia yielded a leadoff single to Josh Harrison to start the ninth, but he responded by fanning Alex Avila and Kyle Schwarber before inducing a game-ending pop-out by Trea Turner. It was an efficient performance by the veteran reliever, who had allowed a run in two of his previous three outings. Garcia is 3-6 with 12 saves in 15 opportunities in 2021, and he sports a stellar 2.79 ERA and 1.07 WHIP.

Garcia (3-6) took the loss Tuesday as the Marlins fell 2-1 to the Blue Jays, giving up one run on two hits in the ninth inning. He struck out two.

Entering a 1-1 game at home with a save situation no longer on the table, Garcia couldn't send the affair to extra innings and instead served up back-to-back doubles to Cavan Biggio and Lourdes Gurriel. The Miami closer has been struggling lately, getting tagged with four losses and two blown saves in four chances over his last nine appearances with a 7.36 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 6:4 K:BB through 7.1 innings. His overall numbers on the season are still solid, but the Marlins could begin looking at other ninth-inning options if Garcia can't right the ship soon.

Garcia (3-5) was tagged with the loss Tuesday against the Cardinals after giving up a walkoff home run in the ninth inning. He didn't record a single out.

Garcia entered the game in the bottom of the ninth with a clear goal, which was to keep the tie and force extra innings, but he failed miserably and gave up a walkoff homer to the first batter he faced -- Paul Goldschmidt. Garcia ended a streak of four scoreless outings in this one, but his role as the Marlins closer shouldn't be at risk going forward.

Garcia allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning Friday, striking out two and earning a save over Atlanta.

Garcia coughed up a leadoff single to Pablo Sandoval and issued a two-out walk to Ozzie Albies but still managed to convert his 11th save of the season. He lowered his season ERA to 2.42 with a 25:8 K:BB. The 30-year-old righty is 11 for 14 in save chances and has turned in three straight scoreless outings after blowing back-to-back chances earlier this month.

Garcia pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Sunday's 3-1 win over Pittsburgh.

After taking blown saves in his last two outings, this was an encouraging return to form for Garcia. He protected a two-run lead to make sure Sandy Alcantara's eight-inning gem didn't go to waste. For the year, Garcia is 10-for-13 in saves chances. He's posted a 2.63 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB across 24 innings.

Garcia (3-4) took the loss and blew a save Wednesday as the Marlins were downed 6-5 by the Blue Jays, coughing up three runs on three hits and two walks over only one-third of an inning.

Entrusted with a 5-3 lead in the ninth inning, Garcia gave up three straight hits to tie the game, and his only out came after he intentionally walked Vladimir Guerrero and Teoscar Hernandez to load the bases and create a force play at the plate. The right-hander had converted five straight saves prior to Wednesday, and on the season Garcia is 9-for-11 on save chances with a 2.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB through 22 innings.

Garcia (3-3) was charged with the loss against the Phillies on Thursday after allowing one run on one hit and a walk while striking out two batters across one inning.

Garcia entered a tied game in the ninth inning and was haunted by a leadoff triple off the bat of Odubel Herrera. The right-hander managed to limit the damage to one run from there on out, but unfortunately, that would be enough to strap him with his third loss of the season. Across 21.2 innings this year, Garcia has tallied nine saves for the Marlins while compiling a 1.66 ERA and 0.92 WHIP.

Garcia pitched a scoreless ninth inning, hit a batter and struck out two to earn the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Philadelphia.

The right-hander put Roman Quinn aboard with hit-by-pitch, but Garcia struck out Matt Joyce and Andrew McCutchen before Jean Segura grounded out to end the game. Garcia is now 9-for-10 in save chances this year. He's pitched to a 1.31 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 21:4 K:BB across 20.2 innings as Miami's primary closer for much of the season.

Garcia (3-2) picked up the win in Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Mets, walking one and striking out one in a scoreless inning.

With the game tied 1-1, Garcia took care of the Mets in the top of the ninth inning and was rewarded when Garrett Cooper slugged a walkoff homer. The Marlins' closer has reeled off seven straight scoreless appearances, and Garcia sports a 1.37 ERA and 19:4 K:BB through 19.2 innings with eight saves in nine chances.

Garcia picked up his eighth save of the season Wednesday against the Phillies after tossing 1.1 scoreless innings, giving up two hits and fanning two.

Garcia entered the game with one out to go in the eighth inning and got the job done before things got a bit complicated in the ninth. The right-hander had runners on the corners with one out, but he struck out Alec Bohm and induced Andrew Knapp into a fly out to close things out. He's gone 7-for-8 in save opportunities in 2021 and should remain as the Marlins' closer moving forward -- he has given up just two runs across 13.2 innings of work since April 10, the day he compiled his first save.

Garcia earned the save Sunday against the Dodgers, pitching a scoreless ninth inning on one hit while striking out one.

Garcia protected a one-run lead in the ninth inning, getting Mookie Betts to ground out to end the game. The 30-year-old has done very well since taking over the closing role for the Marlins, converting seven of eight save opportunities. He holds a 1.65 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 16.1 innings. All three runs off Garcia have been via home runs.

Garcia earned the save against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in a scoreless inning.

Garcia entered in the ninth inning and was tasked with protecting a one-run lead. He allowed a one-out single but escaped with the save after getting Eduardo Escobar to line into a game-ending double play. Garcia has now converted six of seven save opportunities while registering a 1.76 ERA and 15:3 K:BB across 15.1 innings.

Garcia allowed one hit during the ninth inning to earn the save during Thursday's win over Arizona.

The 30-year-old needed 16 pitches to secure the save as he continues to pitch well to open the 2021 season. Garcia has a 2-2 record and is 5-for-6 in save opportunities as he will be in charge of the Marlins closing role for the foreseeable future.

Garcia (2-2) took the loss Friday versus Washington, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit. Garcia did not record an out.

Garcia's outing lasted only two pitches before Washington's Kyle Schwarber hit a walkoff two-run home run. In addition to the loss, Garcia was also charged with a blown save, as Miami held a 1-0 lead when he entered. The 30-year-old has a 2.19 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB across 12.1 innings. He is now 4-for-5 in save chances, and he added two holds before taking over the closer job for Anthony Bass earlier in April.

Garcia had one strikeout and didn't allow a baserunner during the ninth inning to earn the save during Wednesday's 3-0 win versus Baltimore.

The 30-year-old needed only 10 pitches to retire the side in order as he continues to pitch well to open the 2021 season. Garcia has a 2-1 record and is 4-for-4 in save opportunities with one run allowed on five hits and a 10:3 K:BB through 10.1 innings.

Garcia (2-1) allowed one run (zero earned) on two hits while striking out one in the 10th inning, earning the win over the Giants on Saturday.

After getting the save yesterday, Garcia entered the game with a two-run lead in the 10th inning. Garcia preserved the lead, allowing only the leadoff runner on second base to score. After taking the loss on opening day, the 30-year-old has been perfect firing 8.1 scoreless innings en route to three saves and two wins.

Garcia notched his third save of the season Friday against Miami after pitching a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit and fanning one.

Garcia allowed a two-out single to Alex Dickerson, but he retired Buster Posey on a groundout to close things out. The 30-year-old right-hander has now gone 3-for-3 in save opportunities this season, and while manager Don Mattingly hasn't named him the team's official closer just yet, he seems to be locking down the role based on his recent performances.

Garcia struck out two in a perfect 10th inning Wednesday to record his second save of the season in a 6-5 win over Atlanta.

He fired 11 of 12 pitches for strikes and impressively fanned the red-hot Ronald Acuna and Marcell Ozuna to nail down the victory. Garcia has a 1.23 ERA and 7:3 K:BB through 7.1 innings to begin the year, and he quickly seems to be locking down the closer role in Miami.

Garcia (1-1) picked up the win Monday in the Marlins' 5-3 extra-inning victory over Atlanta, walking one and striking out one in 1.1 scoreless innings of relief.

The right-hander entered the game with two outs and two runners on in the ninth inning and, after understandably pitching around Ronald Acuna to load the bases, Garcia got Ozzie Albies to ground out. He then shut down the middle of Atlanta's order in the 10th after Miami took the lead. Garcia's had a solid beginning to the season, posting a 1.42 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 5:3 K:BB through 6.1 innings with one save and two holds, and as long as he remains effective he should be the Marlins' first option for save chances going forward.

Garcia struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his first save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Mets.

Hours after Anthony Bass was removed from the closer role by Marlins manager Don Mattingly, Garcia got the save opportunity for the club and breezed through the heart of the Mets' order on 11 pitches (eight strikes). Dylan Floro and Richard Bleier, who worked the seventh and eighth innings, could also factor into the closing equation for Mattingly, but Garcia made a strong initial statement that he deserves the job to himself.

Garcia is one of the top options for Miami's next save chance, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

It sounds like Anthony Bass won't be getting the next save chance after blowing his first two chances of the season. Mish also mentions Dylan Floro as another top option to get save chances going forward. Garcia has given up one run while striking out three over four innings this season.

Garcia struck out one in a perfect eighth inning Thursday to record his second hold of the season.

Unfortunately for the Marlins, Anthony Bass blew his second save in the ninth. Garcia's been solid so far, posting a 2.25 ERA and 3:2 K:BB through four innings in four appearances, and his usage suggests he would be the next man up at closer if Bass gets removed from the role. Dylan Floro (0.00 ERA, 4:1 in 3.1 IP) has been more effective in the early going than Garcia, however, and could also be in the mix if the team looks for another ninth-inning option.

Garcia (0-1) allowed a solo home run to Austin Meadows in the eighth inning of Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Rays.

It was the only baserunner the right-hander gave up and he did strike out a batter, but with the Marlins' bats quiet, there was no margin for error for any Miami pitcher. Thursday's usage does at least confirm Garcia will handle a high-leverage role to begin the season, and the 30-year-old righty could be the next man up in the ninth for manager Don Mattingly if Anthony Bass falters as the team's closer.

Garcia is expected to open the season as the Marlins' main setup man, Jordan McPherson of The Miami Herald reports.

The right-hander's 6.23 ERA this spring is inflated by three homers in 8.2 innings, but Garcia's 11:1 K:BB also highlights his potential. Anthony Bass remains the favorite to handle save chances for the Marlins, but if Garcia can find a way to keep the ball in the park more consistently (career 1.65 HR/9), he could make a push for the closer role.

Garcia has an 11.25 ERA through his first four appearances (four innings) this spring.

The culprit has been two homers, as otherwise Garcia's 4:0 K:BB is solid. The 30-year-old has had issues in the past keeping the ball in the park, serving up 15 home runs over 62.1 innings for the Dodgers in 2019, but a small spring sample isn't a cause for too much alarm. It may be enough to put him behind Anthony Bass in the race to be the Marlins' closer to begin the season, however.

Garcia signed a one-year, $1.9 million deal with the Marlins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The 30-year-old was near spotless during his first season in Miami with a 0.60 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 19:5 K:BB across 15 innings. Garcia could be in the mix for the closer's job in spring training for Miami.

Garcia (2-0) pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning Wednesday against the Red Sox to pick up his second win of the season. He had two strikeouts on the night.

Garcia needed 16 pitches to get through the eighth as he sent Christian Arroyo and Alex Verdugo down on strikes before getting Rafael Devers to foul out to end the inning. Brandon Kintzler still has a grip on the team's closer role but Garcia's 0.77 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 15:3 K:BB across 11.2 innings will make it hard for manager Don Mattingly to not give him a look should Kintzler struggle down the stretch to conclude the regular season.

Garcia recorded his first save of the season during the second game of Friday's doubleheader, giving up a run on two hits and struck out two in the seventh inning.

Brandon Kintzler worked a clean sixth inning with the Marlins up 4-2, and after they tacked on another run in the bottom of the frame, manager Don Mattingly elected to hand the save chance to Garcia. The 30-year-old responded by giving up his first run of the year, but he still got the job done to pick up his first save in the majors since 2015. It's not clear if Mattingly intends to give Garcia a shot at winning the closer role on a more permanent basis, but his 0.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB through 9.2 innings this year suggest he's capable of handling the assignment.

Garcia (illness) will be activated ahead of Friday's game against the Rays, Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com reports.

As Mish notes, Garcia is set to be a high-leverage arm for the Marlins over the rest of the season, having looked great in Jupiter since his return to the field. Brandon Kintzler has done nothing to lose the closer role, but Garcia could vulture wins and saves occasionally.

Garcia was one of 18 Marlins that tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this season who received clearance Saturday to resume baseball activities at the team's alternate training site in Jupiter, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Garcia appeared out of the bullpen in two of the Marlins' first three games before the club had its season postponed for eight days due to a team-wide coronavirus outbreak. The reliever was among those who contracted the virus, but he's since made a full recovery and has cleared all COVID-19-related protocols. He'll now turn his focus to getting his arm reconditioned for game action following a three-plus-week layoff, and once reinstated, Garcia should fill a key setup role in front of closer Brandon Kintzler.

Garcia was placed on the 10-day injured list, Jared Diamond of The Wall Street Journal reports.

Garcia was among the 13 Marlins placed on the injured list ahead of the team's return to play after a COVID-19 outbreak. However, a specific reason for Garcia's placement on the injured list wasn't announced.

Garcia could begin the regular season in a high-leverage role, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Ryne Stanek (back) is hurt and Drew Steckenrider is having a terrible spring so far, leaving the question of who will set up for presumed closer Brandon Kintzler unsettled. Garcia's claim to eighth-inning work is due to more than just attrition in the rest of the bullpen, however -- the former Dodger has yet to give up a run through seven spring innings with an 8:1 K:BB. Garcia hasn't reached double-digit holds since he notched 11 in 2015, but he could become a useful contributor in fantasy leagues that utilize the category.