Berrios ready and waiting for his chance to help to help the Blue Jays in 2026

José Berríos let the entire Toronto Blue Jays organization down in 2025, refusing to pitch out of the bullpen during the playoffs. Instead, the two-time All-Star opted to rehab his elbow injury at home in Puerto Rico, missing out on the team's near-championship run.

He later apologized for abandoning the team during such a crucial moment, but it was clear that he had damaged his reputation and standing in Toronto. To earn back the trust of the front office, coaching staff, and fanbase, he'd have to do more than just say sorry.

Well, he hasn't pitched yet this season due to a stress fracture in his elbow, but that's nothing new for one of the league's most depleted rotations. What is refreshing to see (and hear) is that Berrios may be on the precipice of his final rehab start.

It's good to know he's ready and willing to defer to the higher ups after the drama he created last year, and it's even better to know he's feeling good ahead of his next tune-up appearance. The Blue Jays can't afford to wait for him much longer.

José Berrios set to join Trey Yesavage as rotation reinforcements for Blue Jays in near future

The Blue Jays have already confirmed that they're getting their biggest gun back off the injured list this week, as rookie Trey Yesavage is set to make his season debut against Payton Tolle and the Boston Red Sox.

His return could not have been better timed, as the Blue Jays just placed Max Scherzer on the injured list with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. Mad Max is one of the gutsiest pitchers in recent history, but age and injuries catch up to everyone.

As the team swaps in new blood to replace the old guard, they're eagerly awaiting the return of Berrios so that they can finally move Eric Lauer out of the rotation and back into the bullpen. The 30-year-old southpaw has run a 6.75 ERA across 22.2 innings this season, and his contributions have actually hurt the team more than they've helped, according to his -0.2 fWAR.

Berrios' start in Triple-A Buffalo is crucial to the state of this team. He's been okay during his rehab assignment thus far -- he has a 6.75 ERA in Single-A, but also a 28.6% strikeout rate and 3.74 FIP -- and if he pitches well and makes it out of his start unscathed, the Blue Jays should feel confident about activating him and bringing him back into the fold in Toronto.

If there's a setback in his health or performance, though, we may all be stuck watching Lauer take another turn or two through the rotation.

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