Dodgers: Three Forgotten Players that Could Make an Impact in 2018

Talk about a player who has fallen from fame. Yimi Garcia has not played in a major league game since early 2016. Just nine games into his 2016 season, Garcia went down with shoulder pain and could not shake the injury for the majority of the season.

After two rehab appearance, the then 26-year-old righty began experiencing discomfort in his forearm, an obvious sign of a UCL tear. Everyone’s greatest fear was confirmed just days after he shared his pains: he needed Tommy John Surgery.

The surgery went well and he is expected to be just fine but the combination of the most serious elbow injury and a shoulder injury that probably required a surgery of its own may be cause for concern. But, this article is about optimism so allow me to explain why it is time to give Garcia a chance.

Garcia, who is now 27-years-old, has been nothing but a quality pitcher for his entire career. He boasted back to back seasons in which his FIP was lower than his ERA and he had an ERA+ of at least 111.

If his fastball can get back to its mid-90’s form, there is no reason to think Garcia would be left off the roster. The front office has made it clear that Garcia’s is not only healthy but expected to make an impact in 2018.

If he can get his fastball up to where it used to be and continue to consistently contribute to the club, Garcia certainly makes himself a player to keep a very close eye on when the spring games start.