José Berríos diagnosed with elbow stress fracture, to miss start of Blue Jays season
José Berríos of the Toronto Blue Jays has a stress fracture in his pitching elbow and will not be ready for Opening Day 2026. His injury was discovered while preparing for the World Baseball Classic. Berríos’s absence raises questions for the team’s starting rotation amidst other injury concerns among pitchers.
Berríos avoids major setback but ruled out for Opening Day
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his pitching elbow and will miss the start of the 2026 MLB season.
After consulting with Dr. Keith Meister in Texas, the team described the diagnosis as a “relatively good report,” according to manager John Schneider.
While Berríos is expected to resume throwing within days, he will not be ready for Opening Day on March 27, when the Blue Jays begin their season against the Athletics.
Injury discovered during World Baseball Classic preparation
The issue surfaced last week when Berríos underwent a medical evaluation while preparing to join Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic.
Elbow inflammation detected during that process prevented him from participating in the tournament and prompted further testing.
Following a second MRI, the Blue Jays sent Berríos to Arlington, Texas, for additional evaluation with Dr. Meister, where the stress fracture was confirmed.
Rotation depth under pressure early in the season
Berríos’ absence adds to early-season uncertainty for Toronto’s starting rotation.
The 31-year-old was expected to be a key piece of the pitching staff as the team enters the 2026 campaign, but his recovery timeline will now force adjustments.
Several other pitchers are also dealing with availability concerns. Shane Bieber has yet to appear in game action due to elbow soreness, while Max Scherzer continues to build up toward game readiness. Meanwhile, Bowden Francis has already been ruled out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Berríos coming off challenging 2025 season
Berríos enters 2026 following a mixed 2025 campaign.
The veteran right-hander finished with a 9-5 record, posting a 4.17 ERA and a 1.301 WHIP across 31 starts and 166 innings pitched.
His season ended in late September when he was removed from the rotation and placed on the injured list.
Off the field, Berríos acknowledged earlier this spring that his decision to rehab away from the team during the Blue Jays’ World Series run was “a bad decision,” a situation that created tension within the organization.
Long-term contract adds context to injury timeline
A 10-year MLB veteran, Berríos is entering the fifth season of his seven-year, $131 million contract with Toronto.
The deal includes a player opt-out clause following the 2026 season, adding further significance to his health and performance this year.
For now, the Blue Jays will move forward without one of their most experienced starters as they open the new season, with Berríos expected to rejoin the rotation once he completes his recovery process.
