The Toronto Blue Jays by no means received a pitch from Jose Berrios in 2026. The correct-hander underwent Tommy John surgical procedure on his proper elbow on Could 20.
Supervisor John Schneider set his restoration at 12 to 14 months. That timeline factors to a mid-2027 return. Even then, nothing ensures Berrios regains his previous type.
Earlier than the harm, Berrios ranked amongst baseball’s most sturdy starters. He made a minimum of 30 begins in each full season from 2018 by means of 2025. Solely Patrick Corbin matched that run.
That lengthy wait has sparked a brand new pitch for Toronto to search out his substitute.
Blue Jays Urged to Goal Jose Berrios Substitute
Marley Dickinson of blogTO made the case Tuesday. He pointed the Blue Jays towards right-hander Michael Soroka.
Soroka, 29, is a Calgary native. He went 9-5 with a 3.41 ERA for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026. He struck out 114 and walked 29 over 116 innings in 22 video games, 21 of them begins.
His 1.09 WHIP ranked lowest amongst Arizona starters. Dickinson famous it additionally edged the 1.10 WHIP of Blue Jays ace Dylan Stop. Soroka made 14 begins of a minimum of 5 innings with two or fewer earned runs.
Toronto’s 2026 troubles began on the plate. The Blue Jays went 79-83 and completed final within the American League East.
The pitchers fared higher, posting a 3.89 staff ERA. Nonetheless, accidents thinned the rotation all season.
Berrios, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage all opened 2026 on the injured listing. Cody Ponce harm his proper knee in his Blue Jays debut March 30 and didn’t pitch once more.
Sixteen completely different pitchers began video games for Toronto. Solely Stop and Kevin Gausman, who’s not with the franchise, topped 100 innings.
Soroka’s 116 innings would have ranked third on that employees. Amongst Blue Jays with a minimum of 15 begins, solely Stop posted a decrease ERA than Soroka’s 3.41.
The holes will develop this winter. Bieber and Max Scherzer are all headed without cost company.
Dickinson argued Soroka would value far lower than Tarik Skubal. That would depart Toronto room so as to add one other starter or a left-handed reliever.
Nevertheless, Soroka and the Diamondbacks have each expressed curiosity in a reunion.
Jose Berrios Pushes for Fast Return
Berrios is pushing to return as quickly as potential. He just lately skilled on the Blue Jays’ participant improvement complicated in Dunedin, Florida. Catcher Alejandro Kirk crossed paths with him there.
Kirk labored out on the facility Oct. 23 as he started getting ready for 2027. The collective bargaining settlement expires Dec. 1. A lockout would bar gamers on 40-man rosters from staff services.
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