Blue Jays close to adding all-star pitcher

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May 4, 2026 - 12:38

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Blue Jays close to adding all-star pitcher

The Toronto Blue Jays are starting to look like themselves again. After a slow start to the 2026 MLB season, largely due to injuries in the starting rotation, the reigning AL East and American League champions are finally getting healthy. And now, another key piece is on the verge of returning. Two-time All-Star José Berríos is close to rejoining the rotation, and it couldn’t come at a better time.

MORE: Red Sox give updates on their injured starting pitchers

Sep 10, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Berrios (17) pitches to the Houston Astros during the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Another Arm on the Way Back

Toronto has already seen positive results after getting young arm Trey Yesavage back. Now, Berríos is next. The veteran right-hander is expected to need just one more rehab start before being activated. That final rehab outing might have come yesterday, on May 3rd, now that he has been stretched out to 75+ pitches, signaling he’s nearly ready for full game action.

While Berríos has had his ups and downs since arriving in Toronto via trade from the Minnesota Twins in 2021, his overall value has been undeniable. He’s been:

Durable (30+ starts in each of the past four seasons)
Reliable
A steady presence in the rotation

And right now, that’s exactly what the Blue Jays need.

Why His Return Matters

Toronto’s early struggles were heavily tied to a lack of pitching depth. Injuries forced the team to rely on unproven arms and/or patchwork solutions. While they’ve managed to stay afloat, getting a veteran like Berríos back adds:

Experience
Stability
Rotation depth

Sep 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jose Berrios (17) delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Even if he slots into the middle or back end of the rotation, his presence helps define roles and reduce pressure on younger pitchers.

Timing Couldn’t Be Better

The Blue Jays are still very much in the mix, and reinforcements are arriving at the right time. With Berríos nearly ready and the rotation trending toward full strength, Toronto is positioning itself for a stronger push as the season progresses.

José Berríos may not be the flashiest name, but he’s an important one. And for a Blue Jays team looking to get back to championship form, his return could quietly make a big difference.

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