TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays put right-hander Yimi Garcia on the 15-day injured list Monday because of a sore elbow, one day after the reliever left a save opportunity against Cleveland with two outs in the ninth inning.
Toronto selected the contract of left-hander Brandon Eisert from Triple-A Buffalo.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said an MRI revealed no structural damage in Garcia’s elbow, adding that right-hander Chad Green will handle most save opportunities.
Garcia has been Toronto’s most consistent reliever this season. The 10-year veteran is 3-0 with a 2.57 ERA in 27 games, striking out 37 batters in 28 innings while walking only seven.
Blue Jays relievers had a 4.69 ERA entering play Monday, the fourth worst mark in the majors.
The move leaves Toronto without three key relievers. All-Star closer Jordan Romano has been on the IL since May 30 because of a sore shoulder, the right-hander’s second IL stint this season. Righty Erik Swanson was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on May 28 after posting a 9.22 ERA in 17 appearances. He’s allowed six runs in 5 1/3 innings since joining the Bisons.
Also Monday, Blue Jays first baseman Joey Votto started a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League with an afternoon game. Votto suffered an ankle injury in spring training and has not played for Toronto yet.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.