The Toronto Blue Jays injury troubles don't seem like they're going away anytime soon.
In April, it looked like the Blue Jays ailing pitchers, particularly Trey Yesavage and Jose Berrios were making a turn for the better.
Yesavage was activated off the injured list April 28 and has done well. He's struck out 15 batters in 13.1 innings pitched across three starts and has posted a 0.68 ERA since returning.
Berrios did not have the same luck.
The 31-year-old righty has been out the entire season due to a stress fracture he suffered in his right elbow in spring training. He was sent on a rehab assignment on April 16.
Berrios made four total starts on the assignment. Two came with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the other pair came with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.
Berrios struggled on the assignment and posted a 10.67 ERA with 11 fanned batters in 14.1 innings pitched.
After a noticeable decline in velocity and command, Berrios' rehab assignment ended after his outing with the Bisons on May 3.
Earlier this week, Berrios visited with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, who handles pitching-related injuries (including Tommy John surgeries) for many major league clubs.
Since taking the meeting with Dr. Meister, Toronto hasn't provided concrete information on what the next steps will be for Berrios.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said in another update earlier this week that Berrios was discussing next steps with doctors.
Toronto Blue Jays Manager Discusses Injury Update on Starting Pitcher
Toronto Blue Jays Manager Discusses Injury Update on Starting Pitcher The Blue Jays are still discussing and exploring options when it comes to Jose Berrios
According to quotes made by Schneider in a story written by MLB.com reporter Keegan Matheson, the team is still not yet ready to confirm or deny what is ailing Berrios or what the next steps for him will be.
Based on Schneider's comments, surgery is definitely an option for the veteran hurler.
"Surgery is on the table. It’s an option at this point," Schneider said in Matheson's story. "We’re just trying to figure out if that’s the route we’re going to go. … (Berrios is) just trying to make the best decision for now and for the long term. He’s back and forth a little bit on it, I think, and just wants to get it right.”
Berrios finished last season with a 4.17 ERA and struck out 138 hitters in 166 innings pitched across 31 appearances (30 starts). Toronto originally intended to move Berrios to the bullpen in the final weeks of the regular season and for the playoffs. Right elbow inflammation landed him on the shelf for the final two weeks of the regular season and the postseason.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Remember to join our BLUE JAYS on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Blue Jays fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that's free too!
