Berríos Eyes Return After Tough Stretch
For Ottawa baseball fans cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays, there's cautious good news coming out of spring training: José Berríos is building toward a return to the rotation after a frustrating stretch that included a World Baseball Classic snub and a lingering, hard-to-explain injury.
According to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, the veteran right-hander is progressing well and remains focused on being ready to contribute to Toronto's 2026 campaign, despite the disappointment and uncertainty that clouded the early weeks of his spring.
WBC Dreams Denied, Twice
Berríos had hoped to represent Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic, a tournament that carries deep personal and national pride for many Latin American players. Instead, he was denied the opportunity to participate, a blow that would sting any competitor, let alone one as passionate about his craft as Berríos.
To compound matters, the pitcher then found himself dealing with what has been described as a "weird" injury, the kind of vague, hard-to-categorize physical issue that's always unsettling for a team counting on a front-of-rotation arm.
Still Building Toward Opening Day
The silver lining? Berríos hasn't stopped working. Reports indicate he's been methodically building up his pitch count and working through his bullpen sessions as the Blue Jays and their medical staff manage his return carefully.
For a Blue Jays squad with playoff aspirations, having Berríos healthy and effective is crucial. The Dominican-born Puerto Rican pitcher has been one of Toronto's most reliable starters in recent seasons, and his ability to eat innings and post consistent quality starts gives the team a backbone in the rotation.
What It Means for Blue Jays Nation in Ottawa
Ottawa has one of the most passionate Blue Jays fan bases outside of Toronto itself. Rogers Centre is regularly dotted with fans who've made the two-hour drive down the 416 for games, and local sports bars fill up on game nights throughout the season. For those fans, watching the pitching situation unfold will be one of the key storylines heading into April.
If Berríos can shake off the early-season turbulence and settle into his role as a dependable No. 1 or No. 2 starter, the Blue Jays' rotation could be a genuine strength. If the injury lingers or limits his effectiveness, it's a storyline that could define the team's season.
Eyes on Spring Training
All eyes will be on how Berríos looks over the final weeks of spring training. The Blue Jays are managing expectations carefully, but the message from the camp is optimistic: the pitcher is on track, working hard, and determined to be ready when the real games begin.
For Ottawa fans planning their Blue Jays road trips this summer, Berríos on the mound, healthy and sharp, would be well worth the ticket.
Source: Sportsnet / Shi Davidi, Full story here
