New Blue Jays ace named April AL Pitcher of the Month

After a stellar beginning to start his 2024 season, Jose Berrios has been named the April American League Pitcher of the Month, along with Ranger Suarez in the National League. This is the first time Berrios has ever achieved this accolade, and it backs up his best start to a season that he has had in his entire career.

The Puerto Rican went 4-2 with a 1.44 ERA, 31 strikeouts, in 43.2 innings pitched, which is ranked 2nd in all of MLB. This is the first Blue Jays pitcher to earn the award since Alek Manoah in September, 2022.

With some of the uncertainty and inconsistency in the Jays rotation, Berrios has been absolutely essential to the team in the first month. No pitcher has been more reliable in each of his starts, when the team needs him the most. Berrios has already accumulated 1.7 bWAR on the season, after earning 2.4 bWAR last season in a terrific bounceback year. Berrios is now in his 3rd year of his 7 year extension with the Blue Jays, and it's become very encouraging having his presence on the mound every 5th day.

Berrios has always been a staunch workhorse since he's come up to the majors. Since 2017, Berrios is 3rd in innings pitched in MLB, with 1198.2 to his credit. He hasn't missed a scheduled start throughout that entire time either, making his consistent bill of health such a boon for the Jays.

After his 2022 season, there was a lot of concern surrounding Berrios and how he would be able to recover the next season, and throughout his contract. 2 short years later, and here he stands, in a league of his own. Congratulations to La Makina!