 On October 10, 2012, the Blue Jays announced that Litsch was coming off the 60-day disabled list, but had chosen free agency over an assignment to their Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons.In December 2012, it was reported that Litsch was awaiting bone-graft and cartilage replacement surgery from a donor cadaver, and his career was in serious jeopardy.The surgery was performed on January 17, 2013, and Litsch was reported to be hopeful to pitch winter ball in late 2013.