José

Berríos

Berríos will undergo additional imaging out of an abundance of caution after experiencing more soreness than usual following his latest rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo over the weekend. It’s a safe assumption that the Blue Jays are going to take their foot off the gas an have the veteran righty make another rehab start before he’s ready for his season debut. His absence means Eric Lauer will remain in Toronto’s injury-depleted rotation a bit longer.

Berríos also struck out just one batter and walked four on the day. His sinker sat just 90 mph, but he was also able to throw 70 pitches, so the Blue Jays could feel comfortable bringing him back into the rotaiton this week. He’s not a recommended option in fantasy leagues given his injury and his poor performance during his rehab assignment.

If all goes well with that start, it’s possible the 31-year-old right-hander could be cleared to return to the Jays’ rotation. He has been shelved since the spring due to a stress fracture in his pitching elbow. It’s unclear if the Jays will then go to a six-man rotation or if someone will get bumped to the bullpen to accommodate the return of Berríos.

Berríos threw 70 pitches in his latest rehab outing and could potentially return to Toronto’s rotation mix next week. He struck out two, issued a pair of walks and also served up two homers. The 31-year-old veteran is working his way back from a stress fracture in his elbow and figures to be ready in the near future, if he’s not activated next week.

If all goes well with that outing, the 31-year-old hurler could be cleared to return to the Blue Jays’ rotation. With Trey Yesavage also nearing a return, the Jays are going to have to make some big decisions soon on the status of their rotation, with Patrick Corbin and Eric Lauer potentially winding up on the outside looking in.

Berríos reportedly averaged 93.5 mph on his fastball and maxed out at 94.6 during the 55-pitch outing. He tallied five strikeouts and scattered three hits over four strong frames. The 31-year-old veteran is working his way back from a stress fracture in his elbow and figures to make it back to Toronto’s rotation in early May.

Berríos threw 47 pitches and allowed five runs over 2 1/3 innings on Thursday in his rehab debut. The 31-year-old lefty will continue building up his pitch count and stamina in the lower minors with an aim towards rejoining Toronto’s rotation at some point in early May.

Berríos also struck out three and walked one on the day. He averaged 93.5 mph on his sinker, which is great for his first rehab start. He also threw 47 pitches, which means he could be up around 60 or above in his next outing. The results weren’t great, but the Blue Jays will care more about velocity and pitch count. Berríos could be back in the Blue Jays rotation by the start of May at this point.

Berríos will aim for roughly 50 pitches over three innings during his first rehab outings. The 31-year-old lefty will need a couple additional tune-up starts to build up his pitch count and stamina before returning to Toronto’s rotation. He’s been out recovering from a stress fracture in his elbow since spring training.

The expectation is that the 31-year-old hurler will throw around 50 pitches in his first rehab start and build up from there. If everything goes according to plan, he could be an option to join the Jays’ rotation in late April or early May.