The Toronto Blue Jays were hopeful to get Jose Berrios back from his rehab start on Sunday, but that may no longer be the case.
Berrios was starting on Sunday for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons in what could be his final rehab outing. However, the right-hander was hit hard by the Yankees affiliate as he lasted just 3.2 innings, allowing 7 runs on 6 hits, as he gave up 3 home runs in a disappointing outing.
After the start, several Blue Jays fans were concerned about Berrios and whether or not he is ready for the MLB.
“At this point I don’t think the Jays would get much for Berrios in a trade. Berrios is not getting a rotation spot with these numbers,” a fan wrote.
“Abysmal to put it politely,” a fan added.
“That’s not optimal,” a fan wrote.
The hope for the Blue Jays was that Berrios would be effective and make a start in the rotation later this week. But some fans wonder if that will be the case anymore.
“OMG his career is over,” a fan added.
“This isn’t a question of workload at this point. Yes, it was just 10ºC, but I don’t give that much weight. Tough spot,” Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson wrote.
“Maybe Berrios isn’t better than Max?,” a fan added.
Berrios is in the midst of a seven-year, $131 million deal with the Blue Jays.
Berrios Dealt With Stress Fracture
The Blue Jays’ rotation was injured to begin the year, as Berrios was placed on the IL due to a stress fracture.
Berrios planned to pitch for Puerto Rico in the WBC. But after getting checked out for insurance reasons, a stress fracture was found.
Despite the injury, during spring training, Blue Jays manager John Schneider didn’t think it would be too serious.
“We’ll monitor it, for sure, and in talking to José, there’s no pain,” Schneider said. “That’s a good thing. Whether that’s been there or that just isn’t affecting him when he throws, that’s a good thing, but we’re definitely going to monitor it going forward.”
Yet, Berrios has spent the first month of the season on the IL, and after his latest outing, he still could be a ways away from returning. It also comes after a disastrous second half of the season that saw him lose his rotation spot and eventually end the year on the IL.
Blue Jays Starters Need to go Deeper
Due to the injuries to the starters and some bad performances, Toronto’s bullpen has been overworked.
So, on Saturday, Dylan Cease went seven innings for the first time in his Blue Jays career, which he felt was important to save the bullpen.
“Absolutely. Today felt really gritty,” Cease said. “Maybe not the best stuff, maybe not the best command, but I felt really good about going deep and giving the ‘pen a little break, just putting us in a better position. I feel really good about this.”
The Blue Jays don’t have another off day until Thursday, so giving some relievers extra rest is key for Toronto.
Blue Jays Fans React to Concerning Jose Berrios’ Rehab Start