Blue Jays provide injury updates on Garcia, Votto, more

Before starting a series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, the Toronto Blue Jays delivered injury updates on several players.

The bullpen, in particular, has been hit hard in recent weeks.

Here is a rundown.

• Reliever Yimi Garcia (back), Toronto's best arm out of the bullpen this season, planned to test things out in the bullpen on Tuesday before the game to see if he'll be available during this two-game series. If he's not good to go, the club will consider a stint on the IL. Garcia has been listed as day-to-day since Friday.

• Right-hander Bowden Francis (forearm) threw a bullpen session that went well on Monday in Toronto. A two-inning side session will follow on Thursday. The Blue Jays envision him returning to a multi-inning relief role when he returns.

• Right-hander Chad Green (shoulder) has been playing long toss in Toronto. The team is hopeful he'll throw off a mound later this week.

• Top pitching prospect Ricky Tiedemann (ulnar nerve) has been throwing off flat ground at the team's complex in Dunedin, Fla. It is expected to be a couple more weeks before he's ready to throw off a mound.

• First baseman/DH Joey Votto (ankle) is continuing to ramp up baseball activity in Dunedin. He was hurt in his first spring training game for Toronto after signing a minor-league deal. Next step for the Canadian is a live game.

Watch Tuesday's Blue Jays-Phillies game on Sportsnet ONE or Sportsnet+ at 6:40 p.m. ET / 3:40 p.m. PT.