‘Surgery On The Table’ For Blue Jays Starter In Another Blow to Pitching Staff

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It’s yet another blow to the Toronto Blue Jays‘ battered and beaten pitching staff. As they await the final word on the next steps for injured hurler Jose Berrios, manager John Schneider says that “surgery is on the table.”

“It’s an option at this point,” Schneider said on Friday. “We’re just trying to figure out if that’s the route we’re going to go.”

Although Berríos met with renowned elbow surgeon Dr. Keith Meister earlier this week, the manager says there is no ligament damage involved, as far as he knows. Of course, Schneider is not a doctor, nor does he play one on TV (or in the clubhouse).

He did, however, mention “loose bodies”, as noted by beat writer Keegan Matheson. It seems we’re still talking about the stress fracture that Berríos had been pitching through in spring training, without any ill effects at the time. But he’s had some elbow soreness in his last two rehab starts, with reduced velocity.

“He’s just trying to make the best decision for now and for the long term,” Schneider said, indicating that the 31-year-old pitcher will have the final say on which way they go. “He’s back and forth a little bit on it, I think, and just wants to get it right.”

Berrios has surgery decision coming up, and contract decision after the season

Making this even more of a crucial decision for his future is the fact that Berrios has an opt-out after the season. He’s due for two more years at $24 million per, on the seven-year, $131 million contract he signed with Toronto back in 2021. Unless he decides to opt out and become a free agent. But that’s looking more and more like a moot point as his injury drags on.

What’s making this even more difficult for Berrios, is that he’d been the picture of health throughout his major league career until this season. He didn’t miss a single start for six straight years (32 starts per season) until 2025… When he missed just two. In this day and age of pitcher injuries and Tommy John surgeries, it’s really a remarkable feat.