The Toronto Blue Jays received a sobering update on Tuesday as manager John Schneider announced that right-hander José Berríos will undergo an MRI after experiencing unexpected elbow soreness. The news comes at a critical juncture for the 31-year-old, who was on the verge of returning to the big-league rotation following a stress fracture in his pitching elbow.
Rehab Struggles and Velocity Concerns
Berríos was slated to make his fourth and final rehab appearance with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons on Sunday. However, the outing did little to inspire confidence. Over four total rehab starts spanning Single-A Dunedin and Buffalo, Berríos has struggled significantly:
- Stat Line: 0-1 record with a bloated 10.67 ERA and 1.81 WHIP.
- Velocity Dip: His sinker averaged just 90.1 MPH in his latest start, peaking at 92.1 MPH—well below his career norms.
- Lack of Command: In 14.1 innings, he surrendered 19 hits (including six home runs) while striking out only 11 batters.
While cold temperatures in Buffalo (around 10°C) may have played a minor role, the lingering pain suggests a deeper issue that the MRI will look to clarify.
Eric Lauer Remains the “Stopgap”
With Berríos sidelined indefinitely, left-hander Eric Lauer will retain his spot in the starting rotation. Lauer’s 2026 campaign has been a battle for consistency, hampered by an early-season flu that led to weight loss and a decrease in velocity.
Lauer’s 2026 Season Stats:
- Record: 1-4
- ERA: 6.03
- WHIP: 1.50
- Next Start: Expected Sunday at Rogers Centre against the Los Angeles Angels.
The Blue Jays will need Lauer to find the form he showed during his impressive season debut (5.1 IP, 9 K) if they hope to stabilize a rotation that has struggled to provide length.
A Glimmer of Hope: Shane Bieber Update
Amidst the Berríos uncertainty, there is positive news regarding Shane Bieber. The 30-year-old right-hander, currently on the 60-day IL with elbow inflammation, told reporters in Tampa that his recovery is progressing “as planned.”
- Status: Bieber is scheduled to throw a side session on Wednesday, May 6.
- Next Steps: If he clears the side session without issue, he is expected to move toward facing live hitters and a subsequent rehab assignment.
- Context: Bieber was a standout for Toronto after being acquired at the 2025 deadline, helping lead the team to a World Series appearance with a 3.86 ERA across five postseason outings.
The Road Ahead
The Blue Jays’ rotation is currently a patchwork unit. While Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, and Trey Yesavage provide a solid foundation, the health of Berríos and the eventual return of Bieber will dictate whether Toronto can replicate their 2025 success. For now, the “sound of the 6ix” is one of collective breath-holding as they await Berríos’ test results.
Pitching Depth Check: With Bowden Francis out for the year following UCL surgery, the Blue Jays have very little margin for error in their pitching staff. Any long-term absence for Berríos would likely force the front office to scan the trade market early
