The denial of insurance for José Berríos to participate in the World Baseball Classic has had a profound impact on the Toronto Blue Jays pitcher. The event held at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico was particularly significant for Berríos, who had hoped to showcase his talent in front of his children, Valentina, Sebastian, and Diego Jose. He expressed the emotional weight of missing this opportunity, stating that it is something he wishes he could have done.
Berríos Faces Health Setback
Compounding Berríos’s frustration was the discovery of a stress fracture in his right elbow, which he learned about after an MRI prior to the WBC quarterfinals. This diagnosis has resulted in him starting the season on the injured list for the first time in his career. Berríos had been performing well during spring training, making three starts with increasing velocity.
WBC Plans and Injury Discovery
The Puerto Rican team had included him in their WBC quarterfinal plans, intending for him to pitch behind Seth Lugo. This plan changed dramatically after the insurance denial was communicated just hours before the game. Berríos admitted he felt strong and healthy leading up to this moment, making the news all the more unsettling.
“It was weird, knowing I’ve been throwing the ball pretty well,” Berríos reflected, explaining that he was unaware of the underlying injury and grateful for the examinations that prevented further damage. “They wanted to make sure I feel great,” he added.
Consulting a Specialist
Following these developments, Berríos consulted Dr. Keith Meister, a specialist, to discuss his condition. He repeatedly inquired about the necessity for surgery but received reassurance that it wasn’t needed. Instead, he is focused on recovery, aiming to build his arm strength back up.
Looking Ahead
Currently, Berríos is engaging in light throwing activities, with hopes to throw in a bullpen session the following Friday. His objective is to return to the field no later than a month into the season. Last season, Berríos started on opening day but ended with a 5.31 ERA in his final outings, significantly affected by elbow inflammation that sidelined him during the postseason.
- Injured List Start: First time in his career
- Previous Season ERA: 3.83 after 22 starts
- Final Nine Outings ERA: 5.31
- Years of Durability: 30 starts in seven seasons
Berríos acknowledges these injuries may be a culmination of a decade of pitching durability. He emphasized the importance of maintaining health, likening the pursuit of well-being in a sport known for its physical demands to that of champions striving for success.
As Berríos prepares to return to the mound, he remains confident about his skills, believing that the improvements he displayed prior to the injury will return once he’s back in action. “I feel ready to compete,” he stated, eagerly awaiting the moment when he can step onto the pitcher’s mound again.
