Blue Jays Righty Jose Berrios Faces New Elbow Inflammation, Spring Training On Hold
DUNEDIN, Fla. – Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jose Berrios is dealing with a new bout of inflammation in his throwing elbow, sidelining him from his scheduled start Thursday and putting his spring training on pause. The news comes after an MRI revealed the issue, stemming from testing done for World Baseball Classic insurance purposes.
Manager John Schneider described the situation as “unique,” while Berrios himself called it “weird.” Despite feeling strong and throwing well, the MRI results necessitate a cautious approach. Berrios ended last season on the injured list with elbow inflammation and had hoped to pitch for Puerto Rico in the WBC, but was initially denied coverage. He was hopeful of joining the team in the quarterfinals, but that is now in jeopardy.
“I’ve been feeling great and throwing the ball well, but the MRI says something so now we have to seize care of that,” Berrios said.
The Blue Jays are currently gathering more information and proceeding “delicately,” according to Schneider, emphasizing trust in the medical process. Berrios is concerned about potentially losing the stamina he’s built up during spring training.
Despite the setback, the Blue Jays have rotation depth with the recent addition of Max Scherzer, and options like Eric Lauer are available. Although, the situation highlights the fragility of pitcher health for a pitcher nicknamed “La Makina” who has historically been durable. Berrios pitched through discomfort throughout the 2025 season, posting a 4.17 ERA in a season where he threw his fewest innings since 2017. He also expressed disappointment at missing the opportunity to play in front of family and friends in Puerto Rico during the WBC.
Blue Jays Right-Hander Jose Berrios Faces Elbow Inflammation Setback
Dunedin, Fla. – Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jose Berrios is currently navigating a “unique” situation, as described by manager John Schneider, stemming from recent imaging related to World Baseball Classic insurance protocols.
MRI Reveals Recent Inflammation, Halting Spring Training
Berrios, who was scratched from his scheduled start on Thursday, is experiencing inflammation in his right elbow that differs from the issue he dealt with last season.
Berrios Expresses Frustration, Prioritizes Health
“I’ve been feeling great and throwing the ball well, but the MRI says something so now we have to grab care of that,” Berrios stated, acknowledging his frustration with the situation.
Past Elbow Issues and WBC Aspirations Complicate Matters
Berrios concluded the 2025 season on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, and initially hoped to represent Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
Schneider Emphasizes Careful Approach, Trusts Medical Guidance
“We’re kind of still in the information gathering stage,” Schneider explained, adding the club is proceeding “delicately.”
Blue Jays Rotation Depth Provides Buffer
Despite Berrios’s setback, the Blue Jays boast significant rotation depth, recently bolstered by the return of Max Scherzer.
Durability Concerns Arise for “La Makina”
The situation underscores the precarious nature of pitcher health, particularly for Berrios, nicknamed “La Makina” (The Machine) for his previous durability.
Berrios Pitched Through Discomfort in 2025
Berrios revealed he pitched through discomfort throughout the entire 2025 season, with inflammation originating in his bicep tendon.
WBC Snub Adds to Berrios’s Disappointment
“To be honest, the most frustrating was not going to the first round because that first round was in Puerto Rico,” Berrios shared, expressing his disappointment at missing the opportunity to play in front of his family and friends.
Did you know? Jose Berrios’s nickname, “La Makina,” reflects his reputation as a workhorse pitcher known for consistently taking the mound.
Blue Jays’ Rotation Remains Solid Despite Uncertainty
Eric Lauer is poised to potentially fill a rotation spot, joining Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, and Cody Ponce.
Financial Implications of Potential Injury
Berrios is owed $19 million this year, with $24 million due in both 2027 and 2028 if he doesn’t exercise an opt-out after 2026.
The Growing Trend of Pitcher Injuries
The Blue Jays’ situation with Berrios highlights a concerning trend in Major League Baseball: the increasing frequency of pitcher injuries.
Pro Tip: Teams are increasingly utilizing advanced imaging and data analytics to proactively identify and address potential injury risks in pitchers, but the physical demands of the sport continue to pose challenges.
FAQ
Q: What caused Jose Berrios to be scratched from his start?
A: An MRI revealed new inflammation in his right elbow during a check-up for World Baseball Classic insurance purposes.
Q: Is Jose Berrios expected to miss a significant amount of time?
A: The Blue Jays are still gathering information, and the extent of his absence remains uncertain.
Q: How will the Blue Jays manage without Berrios in the rotation?
A: The team has rotation depth, with options like Eric Lauer ready to step in.
Q: What is the significance of the WBC insurance imaging?
A: The imaging was conducted as a precaution to assess Berrios’s health before potentially participating in the World Baseball Classic.
Stay tuned to 247Sports.new for further updates on Jose Berrios’s condition and the Blue Jays’ spring training progress. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below!