Jose Berrios elbow pain may affect Toronto Blue Jays pitching for 2026 season

Jose Berrios' elbow issue could impact the Blue Jays' pitching rotation. This is a worry after he missed playoff time last year due to the same problem.

The immediate concern for the Toronto Blue Jays centers on pitcher Jose Berrios, who is set to undergo a medical evaluation due to an inflamed elbow. This development follows a history of discomfort for the right-hander, who was placed on the 15-day injured list in September 2025 with the same issue. His absence ruled him out of crucial postseason contention, a significant blow to a team that had been struggling offensively, marked by scoring one run or fewer in six consecutive games leading up to his IL placement. The Blue Jays had promoted Paxton Schultz from Triple-A Buffalo to fill his roster spot at that time.

Further complicating the team's pitching outlook, Trey Yesavage is scheduled to throw at the Blue Jays' complex on Monday. Discussions are underway regarding increasing his pitch count from the 35 throws made previously, with projections suggesting he could potentially deliver 2-3 innings and perhaps even reach 60+ pitches in a later camp outing.

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Background reports detail Berrios' performance throughout the 2025 season. He recorded several notable starts, including a May 7 outing against the Chicago White Sox where he threw 6.0+ innings of two-run ball, yielding five hits and five walks while striking out a season-high nine batters. Other strong performances include a June 9 game at St. Louis where he pitched 6.2 shutout innings with one strikeout, and a June 4 start against the Chicago Cubs that saw him limit hitters to an average exit velocity of 86.2 MPH over 5.1 scoreless frames with three punchouts. He achieved his 14th quality start of the season in that June 4 appearance. Throughout the season, Berrios also logged outings with notable shutout innings streaks and low-hit performances against teams like the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

In tangential observations, Ernie Clement has commented that the dynamic between the US and Abreu could influence the market for non-closer relief pitchers in the upcoming winter.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Jose Berrios having an elbow evaluation?
Jose Berrios is having his elbow checked because it is inflamed. This is a problem that has bothered him before.
Q: How might Jose Berrios' elbow issue affect the Blue Jays?
If Berrios cannot pitch, the Blue Jays might need to find other pitchers. This could change their plans for the 2026 season.
Q: What happened with Jose Berrios' elbow last year?
Last year, Jose Berrios' elbow hurt so much that he was put on the injured list in September 2025. He missed the end of the season and the playoffs.
Q: Are there other pitchers the Blue Jays are watching?
Yes, Trey Yesavage is getting ready to throw more pitches. He might be able to pitch for 2-3 innings soon.
Q: What did Jose Berrios do well last season?
Jose Berrios had some good games last season. He pitched many innings without giving up many runs and got many strikeouts in some games.