After making his return to minor-league action last week, Joey Votto underwent another setback in his attempt to get back onto the field full-time.
The 40-year-old experienced lower back tightness while playing first base for the low-A Dunedin Blue Jays on Wednesday, was removed from the game and has not returned to action since.
Votto was making his third rehab appearance in the low minors. He had played the previous two days with the Florida Complex League Blue Jays. Over his three games, the former NL MVP went 0-for-5 with two walks and a sacrifice fly.
According to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling, Votto is feeling better and is expected to return to the Complex League team sometime this week.
The Toronto native has been working back from a rolled ankle suffered after his first spring training at-bat with his hometown franchise.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays could be in line to get some help in the back of their bullpen as Yimi Garcia and Jordan Romano took steps forward in their recovery on Monday.
Garcia, who went on the 15-day injured list on June 17 due to right elbow ulnar neuritis, continued to ramp up in his throwing progression, playing catch from 120 feet.
The 33-year-old has been Toronto’s best bullpen arm in 2024, posting a 2.57 ERA, a 3-0 record, 37 strikeouts and five saves over 28.0 innings this season.
Romano was shut down from throwing on Saturday after feeling soreness in his pitching elbow after playing long toss from 120 feet. The 31-year-old was expected to return to a mound on the weekend.
Toronto’s closer resumed playing catch Monday, working out to 75 feet.
He is currently on the 15-day injured list, as well, due to right elbow inflammation. Romano had an injection in his elbow on June 3 — the second one he has received this season.
The right-hander from Markham, Ont., has earned eight saves with a 6.59 ERA and 13 strikeouts over 13.2 innings this season.