Blue Jays select José Berríos as Opening Day starter amidst pitching staff injuries
The Blue Jays have officially named José Berríos as their Opening Day starter, confirming what many had anticipated based on the order of their rotation in recent weeks. While Berríos’s selection brings some clarity to the pitching staff, the team is still grappling with multiple key injuries just eight days before the season opener against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Manager John Schneider provided updates on the status of starters Kevin Gausman and Alek Manoah, as well as closer Jordan Romano and reliever Erik Swanson. Gausman is dealing with right shoulder fatigue and is scheduled to throw a two-inning simulated game to assess his progress. If all goes well, he could potentially make a Grapefruit League start before the end of camp.
Manoah threw a bullpen session on Tuesday but is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season. Bowden Francis appears poised to take his place in the rotation. Romano has been diagnosed with right elbow inflammation but has not sustained any structural damage. He will receive an anti-inflammatory shot and be shut down for three days before gradually ramping back up. Swanson, on the other hand, is experiencing right forearm tightness but has no injury or inflammation. He will rest for a day or two before resuming throwing.
The Blue Jays remain optimistic about the availability of both Romano and Swanson for Opening Day. However, if either or both are unable to pitch, Nate Pearson and Zach Pop are potential options to fill their spots on the roster. Yimi García, who has closer experience, could temporarily replace Romano if needed. Nevertheless, the team recognizes the significance of Romano and Swanson to the bullpen and hopes to have them fully healthy as soon as possible.
Despite the pitching staff setbacks, there is some positive news on the rotation front. Gausman’s simulated game on Wednesday will determine whether he can make a Grapefruit League start and potentially be ready for the third game of the season against the Rays. The Blue Jays have acknowledged that Gausman won’t be fully built up by Opening Day but prefer to have him with the team rather than on the injured list.
As for Berríos, he has been chosen as the Opening Day starter based on a combination of factors. The schedule, his track record, and his success against the Rays last year were all considered when making the decision. Berríos had a rocky Opening Day start in 2022 but rebounded last season with a 3.65 ERA over 32 starts. This spring, he has continued his strong performance, recording a 1.38 ERA in four Grapefruit League starts.
Berríos expressed his desire to perform better than his previous Opening Day start with the Blue Jays and is honored to be given the opportunity to take the mound on the first day of the season. He understands the importance of the occasion but remains focused on doing his job.
The Blue Jays will need their pitching staff to overcome these early-season injuries, as they face a tough April schedule with series against formidable opponents such as the Astros, Yankees, Padres, and Dodgers. The team hopes that their depth will be able to withstand the challenges posed by these injuries and maintain their competitive edge.
In conclusion, while the Blue Jays have selected José Berríos as their Opening Day starter, injuries to key pitchers have created uncertainty within the pitching staff. The team remains optimistic about the availability of Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson, but contingency plans are in place if they are unable to pitch. Kevin Gausman is progressing in his recovery, and Berríos is eager to make amends for his previous Opening Day performance. The Blue Jays will need a healthy and effective pitching staff to navigate a challenging April schedule.