The Toronto Blue Jays have been dealt another major injury blow.
It was announced on Wednesday afternoon that starting pitcher Jose Berrios underwent Tommy John surgery and will be sidelined for 12–18 months as a result. He had yet to pitch in 2026 because of an elbow ailment, and we now know it has culminated in the worst possible outcome.
Manager John Schneider confirmed the unfortunate news with the media before their series finale in New York against the Yankees.
“Berrios had surgery today to repair the stress fracture part of his elbow, and TJ ligament – the bone sitting on the ligament, causing some damage to it.. we knew that was a possibility when they went in.. not ideal for him, not ideal for us,”
The 31-year-old Berrios went 9–5 with a 4.18 ERA in 30 starts during the 2025 season before being moved to the bullpen and then missing the remainder of the year with elbow inflammation. He has two years remaining on the seven-year, $131 million contract extension he signed with the Blue Jays back in 2021, which includes a player opt-out this winter, though he’s now unlikely to exercise it.
You have to wonder whether Berrios has pitched his last game as a Blue Jay, especially given the fallout from him returning home to Puerto Rico during the team’s postseason run after being left off the active roster.
It sounded as if the fences had been mended, but now, factoring in a potential two-year recovery timeline, it could mark the end of his time in Toronto.
Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, and Trey Yesavage will continue to be relied upon heavily atop the rotation moving forward as they await the returns of Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer.
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