José Berríos’ delayed start to the season could turn into a full missed season.
The Blue Jays’ right-hander, who has been sidelined since elbow inflammation was first detected as he geared up to pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, will undergo surgery Wednesday to repair a stress fracture and loose bodies in his elbow.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Dr. Keith Meister will also evaluate Berríos for possible ligament damage.
Berríos is expected to miss at least a couple of months, which could turn into the entire season if worst-case fears are realized or if the Blue Jays are out of the playoff hunt when he could return.
“There may be some ligament stuff going on,” Schneider said. “They’re going to figure that out when they’re in there.”
Berríos made four rehab starts at Triple-A but was shut down after experiencing discomfort during his May 3 outing.
“There’s always risk with pitchers,” Schneider said. “Even if they’re healthy as can be, there’s always risk. That’s a risk that both he and we accepted when we said, ‘Keep throwing.’”
It’s essentially a continuation of a frustrating eight months for Berríos, who was 9-5 in 31 appearances for the Blue Jays last season.
But he landed on the injured list in September and missed the playoff run to the World Series due to elbow inflammation.
Berríos has an opt-out clause in his contract that could be exercised after this season.
He has two years and $48 million remaining on his contract.
Considering the uncertainty of his health, it seems unlikely that Berríos would opt out even if he does end up making his season debut.
The Blue Jays’ rotation already is without Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer and Cody Ponce.
Berríos, 31, has been a model of stability during an era of heightened arm injuries.
He made at least 30 starts in each of the last seven 162-game seasons and 12 in the shortened 60-game season in 2020.
