The Toronto Blue Jays face a significant challenge heading into the World Series, as they will be missing two-time All-Star pitcher José Berríos. The team confirmed on Monday that Berríos will not participate due to an elbow injury. This announcement was made by manager John Schneider, as reported by Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.
Setbacks for the Blue Jays
Despite a turbulent season, the Blue Jays made strides towards their World Series goal. Key players have faced injuries and performance issues throughout the year. Among these challenges was the stability of the bullpen, which proved critical in the latter half of the season.
- Injuries:
- Shortstop Bo Bichette has not returned since injuring his knee before the playoffs.
- Chris Bassitt experienced an injury in September but managed to return for playoff duties.
- Performance Concerns:
- Max Scherzer faced scrutiny regarding his playoff capability after inconsistent starts during the regular season.
- José Berríos struggled on the mound, ultimately leading to his placement on the injured list.
José Berríos’ Impact on the Team
Berríos, who signed a substantial seven-year, $131 million contract with the Blue Jays, was anticipated to be a cornerstone of the pitching rotation. Currently, he is earning $19 million this season, with $48 million left on his contract. His absence is a harsh blow to the team, particularly as they prepare for the World Series.
Coming off a solid 3.60 ERA season across 32 starts last year, Berríos’ struggles this season have raised concerns about his future performance. As the Blue Jays prepare for the Championship series, they hope to see Berríos return to his All-Star caliber next season.
While the team navigates these challenges, their determination remains strong as they work towards a successful playoff run.
