Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins provides injury updates on Garcia, Santander

As the Toronto Blue Jays get set for a pivotal four-game series against the division-leading New York Yankees, some bullpen help could be on the way.

Speaking with reporters on Monday, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said reliever Yimi Garcia "is in a really good position."

The right-hander's last appearance for Toronto came on May 22 in an extra-innings win against the San Diego Padres. He was then placed on the injured list with shoulder impingement.

On Sunday, Garcia made a relief appearance for the triple-A Buffalo Bisons, where he threw 22 pitches and struck out one batter over 0.2 innings.

"I think it's just deciding whether it's in the next day or two that he's returning to our team," Atkins said Monday.

Garcia has been one of the Blue Jays' most consistent arms out of the pen this season, with a 3.15 ERA over 20 innings of work.

The news wasn't quite as good for Anthony Santander.

Atkins revealed Monday that Santander suffered a left shoulder subluxation (partial separation) when he crashed into the wall in Anaheim in May.

"He tried to play through some pain and got to the point where it seemed like it wasn't the best thing to do," said Atkins.

Atkins said that Santander is still not swinging the bat, but he could start soon. The GM did not rule out Santander returning before the All-Star break.

Santander has struggled in his first season with the Jays after signing a five-year, $92.5-million deal in free agency.

Over 50 games, he's batting .179 with a .577 OPS and six home runs. He has a team-worst 55 strikeouts.

You can watch the Blue Jays take on the Yankees Monday live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.