The Toronto Blue Jays have overcome some significant hurdles en route to the World Series this year.
The team opened the season with a spotty record and a black cloud looming over the future of franchise slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had yet to sign an extension with the team. Even after surging in the standings, the team faced some significant bullpen struggles in the second half. And it has dealt with some major injuries to key players, including shortstop Bo Bichette, who has yet to return to the field after injuring his knee before the playoffs began.
The Blue Jays have also had to adjust their starting rotation on the fly as some harsh setbacks sprung up toward the end of the regular season. Future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer faced questions about his ability to handle a playoff game after some bad starts, though he has pitched well in the postseason. And veteran starter Chris Bassitt hit the injured list in September before returning to the playoff roster and taking on some relief innings.
But for two-time All-Star pitcher Jose Berrios, it looks like some setbacks have officially ended the season.
Coming off of a solid 3.60 ERA season across 32 starts last year, Berrios struggled on the mound this year before being placed on the injured list with an elbow issue. On Monday, manager John Schneider confirmed that Berrios won’t return for the World Series and that his season is officially over, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.
That’s a harsh blow for the team, as Berrios is earning $19 million this year with two more seasons on his contract ahead after signing a seven-year, $131 million deal with the Blue Jays. With $48 million still owed to Berrios over the remainder of that contract, the Blue Jays will be hoping that he can return to his All-Star form next season, but this campaign wasn’t a good sign in his chances for continued effectiveness.
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