José Berríos, the Toronto Blue Jays pitcher, is facing a significant setback as he will be sidelined for at least a couple of months and potentially longer due to a decision to undergo elbow surgery. The situation is further complicated by a stress fracture in his elbow and the presence of loose bodies in the area, raising concerns about possible ligament issues as well.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed that Dr. Keith Meister will perform the surgery on Wednesday. The exact nature of the procedure will be determined during the operation, as Schneider emphasized that the medical team will assess the situation once they are able to examine Berríos's elbow directly. “They’re going to figure that out when they’re actually in there,” Schneider stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the surgery.
In a best-case scenario, Berríos could be back on the field within a couple of months, drawing a comparison to Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. Schneider noted that Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, was able to resume playing catch shortly after his surgery. However, if ligament replacement surgery is required, such as Tommy John surgery, the recovery timeline could extend to 12 to 18 months, posing a significant hurdle for Berríos's return.
Berríos's journey has been particularly perplexing. He reported to spring training in good health and began his preparation normally. However, an MRI conducted in March revealed the stress fracture, which forced him into a shutdown period. After some recovery, he attempted to resume throwing and even advanced to Triple-A, but a subsequent setback necessitated further consultation with specialists, including Dr. Meister.
Reflecting on the situation, Schneider acknowledged the expertise of the medical professionals involved, stating, “Doctors know more than me, you know what I mean?” He mentioned that Berríos expressed he was feeling normal, which led the team to give him the green light to continue his workouts. The abrupt shift to stop was based on medical advice, underscoring the complexities involved in managing player health.
Despite Berríos's eagerness to return to the mound, Schneider pointed out the inherent risks associated with pitching and the necessity of adhering to medical protocols. He remarked, “There’s always risk with pitchers, right? That’s risk that both he and we accepted when we said ‘keep throwing.’” The impending surgery represents a cautious approach to ensuring the long-term health of the player, albeit at the expense of the team's immediate needs.
Without Berríos, the Toronto Blue Jays face significant challenges in their starting pitching depth, which is already compromised. Other pitchers, including Cody Ponce, Max Scherzer, and Shane Bieber, are also on the injured list, and Eric Lauer has struggled, leading to his designation for assignment. Currently, the Blue Jays lack a fifth starter, creating urgency as they embark on a demanding stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Right-hander Spencer Miles is stepping up to take on additional innings, while left-handed reliever Adam Macko has been added to the team’s taxi squad to bolster the depth.
As the team navigates this difficult phase, Schneider conveyed his empathy for Berríos, acknowledging his frustration with the unfolding events. “He’s pissed,” Schneider said, reflecting on Berríos’s emotional state amid these challenges. The situation remains dynamic, with the Blue Jays urgently seeking answers for their starting rotation in the absence of Berríos, whose future availability remains uncertain.
