Toronto Blue Jays right-handed starter José Berríos has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow, abruptly altering the team’s pitching plans just days before the start of the 2025 MLB season. Despite the severity of the injury, Berríos remains pain-free, offering cautious optimism that he may return to the mound later this season. The revelation has sent shockwaves through a Blue Jays organization already grappling with roster congestion, as the team now must decide how to allocate innings among eight starting pitchers vying for five rotation spots.
- José Berríos diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow ahead of Opening Day, though he remains asymptomatic
- The Blue Jays now face a logistical challenge with eight starting pitchers (including Berríos) competing for five rotation spots
- Berríos, entering the fifth season of a seven-year, $131 million contract, posted a 4.17 ERA in 166 innings last year but saw declines in velocity and strikeout rate
- Toronto signed Dylan Cease and Max Scherzer this offseason, adding to a rotation that already includes Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber (on the IL with forearm fatigue)
How José Berríos’ Stress Fracture Disrupts the Blue Jays’ Rotation Plans
The Blue Jays’ pitching staff entered spring training with more depth than perhaps any team in baseball, but Berríos’ elbow injury has turned that strength into a potential liability. The organization now finds itself in the unenviable position of managing innings among eight viable starting pitchers: Berríos, Dylan Cease, Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Cody Ponce, Eric Lauer, and rookie sensation Trey Yesavage. With Opening Day less than a week away, the team must decide who takes Berríos’ spot in the rotation and how to balance workloads across a staff that includes multiple veterans with recent durability concerns.
The Rotation Conundrum: More Arms Than Spots
Even before Berríos’ diagnosis, the Blue Jays were facing a rotation logjam. The team signed Cy Young-caliber arms Dylan Cease and Max Scherzer in free agency this winter, adding to a core that already included Kevin Gausman and a returning Shane Bieber. Bieber, however, is currently on the injured list with forearm fatigue, leaving the team shorthanded before the season even begins. Rookie Trey Yesavage, who made a dominant late-season debut in 2024, has already locked down a rotation spot, while Cody Ponce and Eric Lauer round out the competition for the remaining two rotation slots. Lauer, a free agent after this season, has expressed willingness to pitch out of the bullpen if needed, but the organization may prefer to keep him in the rotation to maximize his trade value.
Manager John Schneider now faces a series of difficult decisions. If Berríos misses significant time, Toronto could opt to carry eight starters on its 26-man roster, a luxury most teams can’t afford. Alternatively, the team may explore trading one of its veteran arms—Lauer’s name has surfaced in rumors—or converting a starter like Ponce into a long reliever. The latter option would be a tough pill to swallow for a pitcher who has worked exclusively as a starter in his MLB career. Schneider, speaking to reporters via Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet, acknowledged the complexity of the situation but emphasized the team’s depth as a strength. “We’ve got a lot of good options,” Schneider said. “It’s about making sure we’re putting our best foot forward every day, and that’s what we’ll do.”
Berríos’ Injury: A Surprise Diagnosis with a Silver Lining
Berríos’ stress fracture was discovered during a routine physical prior to his participation in the World Baseball Classic with Puerto Rico. Despite the diagnosis, the 30-year-old right-hander has reported no pain or symptoms, a rare and fortunate circumstance given the severity of the injury. An MRI revealed inflammation in his elbow, which likely contributed to his uncharacteristically high walk rate in 2024. “It was a shock,” Berríos told reporters. “I’ve never felt anything like this before. It’s frustrating because I was looking forward to contributing to Puerto Rico and getting ready for the season.”
What Is a Stress Fracture and How Will It Affect Berríos’ Return?
A stress fracture in the elbow—a relatively rare injury for pitchers—occurs when repetitive stress causes small cracks in the bone. Unlike acute injuries, stress fractures often develop gradually, making them difficult to detect until they reach a critical point. For pitchers, the elbow is particularly vulnerable due to the torque generated during the throwing motion. Berríos’ case is unusual because he has experienced no pain, which may indicate the fracture is in its early stages or located in a less painful area of the elbow. Dr. Keith Meister, the orthopedic specialist evaluating Berríos, has not yet provided a timeline for his return, but the pitcher’s history of durability suggests he could bounce back relatively quickly if the injury is managed properly. Historically, pitchers like Stephen Strasburg and Chris Sale have returned from similar injuries, though their recoveries took months rather than weeks.
Berríos’ agent, Larry Reynolds, released a statement emphasizing the pitcher’s optimism: “José is committed to his rehabilitation and is confident he’ll return stronger. This is a temporary setback, and we’re focused on getting him back on the mound as soon as it’s safe.” The Blue Jays have not ruled out the possibility that Berríos could return in a limited role, such as a bullpen stint, before easing back into the rotation. However, any timeline remains speculative until further imaging is conducted and Dr. Meister provides clearance.
Berríos’ Contract and Future with the Blue Jays
Berríos is in the fifth season of a seven-year, $131 million contract he signed with the Minnesota Twins in 2022 before being traded to Toronto in a blockbuster deal at the 2021 trade deadline. The Blue Jays still owe him $66 million over the next three seasons, with a club option for a fourth year at $15 million. Berríos also has an opt-out clause after the 2026 season, but last year’s relative decline in performance—his 4.17 ERA was his highest since 2020, and his average fastball velocity dipped to a career-low 93 mph—made that a long shot even before the elbow injury. His strikeout rate (19.8%) and walk rate (8%) were both career worsts in a full season, signaling potential decline that the Blue Jays will now have to account for in their long-term planning.
Toronto’s Investment in Berríos May Face Scrutiny
When the Blue Jays acquired Berríos in 2021, they were betting on a pitcher who had been one of the most durable and consistent in baseball. Since 2018, Berríos had led MLB in games started (234) and innings pitched (1,367.2), including a 12-start season in the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. His durability was a major asset in a rotation that had previously struggled with consistency. However, the past two seasons have seen a decline in his performance, raising questions about whether his $131 million contract will age well. The elbow injury only adds to the uncertainty. If Berríos misses significant time, the Blue Jays may need to lean more heavily on younger arms like Yesavage or Ponce, or explore trades to bolster their rotation depth.
The Impact on Toronto’s 2025 Season and Long-Term Outlook
The Blue Jays entered 2025 with championship aspirations, bolstered by a revamped rotation and a lineup that includes sluggers like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. However, Berríos’ injury complicates those plans, forcing the team to adapt on the fly. If Bieber returns soon and Berríos misses only a few weeks, the impact may be minimal. But if either pitcher requires an extended absence, the Blue Jays could find themselves scrambling to find innings. The team’s ability to navigate this challenge will be a key test of Schneider’s managerial acumen and the organization’s depth.
Could the Blue Jays Trade a Starting Pitcher?
With eight starting pitchers on the roster, trade speculation is inevitable. Eric Lauer, in particular, has been mentioned in rumors due to his expiring contract and the team’s surplus of arms. Lauer has been open about his preference to stay in the rotation, but Schneider has indicated that the team will prioritize winning over individual preferences. “We’ll do what’s best for the team,” Schneider said. “That could mean a trade, a bullpen role, or something else. We’re not going to be afraid to make a tough decision if it helps us win.” Other candidates for trade include Ponce, a former top prospect who has struggled to find his footing in the majors, or even a veteran like Gausman if the team decides to go younger.
What’s Next for Berríos and the Blue Jays?
For now, Berríos will take a few days off from throwing entirely, allowing the inflammation in his elbow to subside. The next step will be a follow-up MRI to assess the fracture’s progression and determine a rehabilitation plan. If the injury is minor, he could return in a matter of weeks; if it’s more severe, he may require a more cautious approach, potentially including a rehab assignment in the minors. The Blue Jays will monitor his progress closely, with the hope that he can contribute later in the season. In the meantime, the team will need to address its rotation depth, balancing the need for short-term wins with the long-term health of its pitching staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will José Berríos be out with a stress fracture?
- The Blue Jays have not provided a specific timeline for Berríos’ return. The injury was discovered during a World Baseball Classic physical, and he will take a few days off from throwing. A follow-up MRI will determine the next steps, but a return in a matter of weeks is possible if the fracture is minor.
- Will the Blue Jays trade one of their starting pitchers?
- Trade speculation is inevitable given the surplus of starting pitchers. Eric Lauer’s expiring contract makes him a prime candidate, but the Blue Jays may also explore moving Cody Ponce or another arm if they need to bolster their roster or create space for a position player.
- How does Berríos’ injury affect the Blue Jays’ rotation depth?
- Berríos’ absence forces the Blue Jays to decide how to allocate innings among eight starting pitchers. With Shane Bieber already on the injured list, the team may need to carry an extra starter or convert a pitcher to a bullpen role to manage workloads.
