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Blue Jays Face Pitching Woes Ahead of 2026 Season
4 Apr
Summary
- Berríos has a stress fracture but is expected to pitch through it.
- The Blue Jays rotation has significantly thinned due to injuries.
- Mason Fluharty will open, followed by Lazaro Estrada on Saturday.
The Blue Jays' pitching rotation is facing significant challenges as the 2026 season looms. Pitcher Berríos is currently sidelined with a stress fracture in his right elbow. Despite the serious nature of the injury, the Blue Jays' management expresses confidence that he will be able to pitch through it during the upcoming season.
This injury adds to a growing list of concerns for the team. What was once anticipated to be a deep rotation with at least seven healthy Major League-caliber starters has dwindled considerably. As of the current reporting, the available healthy starters are limited to Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Max Scherzer, and Eric Lauer.
To manage the depleted roster, the Blue Jays are implementing strategic pitching plans. For an upcoming game in Chicago on Saturday, the team intends to utilize Mason Fluharty as an 'opener.' Following Fluharty's initial innings, Lazaro Estrada is expected to come in and provide bulk innings for the team.
