As the Toronto Blue Jays gear up for the 2021 season, there is one question that seems to be on everyone’s mind: What’s going on with José Berríos’ throwing elbow? The 26-year-old pitcher, who was acquired by the Blue Jays in a trade with the Minnesota Twins last season, has been dealing with some uncertainty surrounding his health and it has left both the team and Berríos himself unsure of what to expect as the new season approaches.
To understand the current situation, we have to look back at Berríos’ journey with the Blue Jays so far. After the trade, Berríos quickly became a fan favorite and a key part of the team’s rotation. In 11 starts, he posted a 4.04 ERA and struck out 66 batters in just 55.2 innings. He also made his first All-Star appearance, further solidifying his place as a top pitcher in the league.
But as the season progressed, Berríos started experiencing some discomfort in his throwing elbow. He was placed on the injured list in late September but returned in time to pitch five innings in the Blue Jays’ Wild Card game against the Tampa Bay Rays. However, he was not his usual dominant self and gave up four runs in that outing.
Fast forward to the present, and Berríos’ elbow is still causing some concern. He was shut down during spring training due to some tightness in his elbow and has not made any appearances in spring games. This has led to speculation about the severity of his injury and how it will impact his performance this season.
But despite the uncertainty, both Berríos and the Blue Jays remain positive and are taking all the necessary precautions to ensure he is fully healthy before taking the mound again. Berríos has been working closely with the team’s medical staff, undergoing MRIs and other tests to determine the best course of action.
In a recent interview, Berríos expressed his trust in the team and their handling of his injury. “I have a lot of faith in the Blue Jays and their medical staff. They have been working closely with me to develop a plan that will get me back on the mound as soon as possible, but also making sure I am fully healthy to help the team in the long run,” he said.
As for the Blue Jays, they have made it clear that they are not rushing Berríos back. General Manager Ross Atkins has stated that they are being cautious with the pitcher and are prioritizing his long-term health over short-term gains. It’s a smart move for a team that has high hopes for the upcoming season and doesn’t want to risk any setbacks for one of their top players.
But while the uncertainty surrounding Berríos’ injury is certainly cause for some concern, there is also reason for optimism. The Blue Jays have a strong rotation that includes the likes of Hyun Jin Ryu, Robbie Ray, and Steven Matz, and they also have a talented bullpen to back them up. If Berríos needs more time to fully recover, the team has options to fill his spot in the rotation.
And let’s not forget, when healthy, José Berríos is a force to be reckoned with. His career numbers speak for themselves – a 4.08 ERA and a 9.0 K/9 ratio – and he has proven himself to be a consistent and reliable starter in the league. His All-Star appearance last season was just a glimpse of what he is capable of, and there is no doubt that he will come back even stronger once he is fully recovered.
In the end, José Berríos and the Toronto Blue Jays are both in uncharted territory with the current status of his elbow. But instead of dwelling on the uncertainty, both parties are staying positive and putting in the work to ensure a successful return for Berríos. With a strong support system and Berríos’ determination, there is no doubt that he will be back on the mound soon, ready to help the Blue Jays achieve their goal of a World Series title.
