The Toronto Blue Jays are facing growing concerns over the health of two veteran pitchers, José Berríos and Max Scherzer, as the team prepares to welcome back Addison Barger from the injured list.
Berríos to See Elbow Specialist
José Berríos has been summoned to see Dr. Keith Meister, an orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon based in Texas. This news is particularly troubling given Berríos's recent struggles and his history of elbow issues. An MRI revealed inflammation and slight changes to the initial elbow injury he sustained during spring training, which was diagnosed as a stress fracture. During rehab outings in triple-A, soreness developed, prompting further imaging. While Berríos is not expected to face a situation as severe as Alek Manoah's season-ending UCL surgery two years ago, the upcoming visit on Tuesday will be critical.
Scherzer's Situation
Max Scherzer's immediate future appears less worrisome. The veteran received a cortisone injection in his right forearm to address discomfort. Scherzer has also been dealing with an ankle setback and tendinitis in his pitching arm. Following the injection, he will not throw for five days. Scherzer has made five starts this season, with his most recent outing on April 24 against the Cleveland Guardians, where he allowed seven runs on six hits, including three home runs, in 2.1 innings.
Barger's Return
Addison Barger, known as "Bam Bam," is set to return on Saturday. He was expected to be activated as early as Friday night's series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, but the one-game delay allows the Jays to postpone a decision on which player will be sent down. Barger has been on the injured list due to an ankle issue. Prior to his IL stint, he had recorded only one hit in 23 plate appearances. The Blue Jays' lineup has lacked power, with Kazuma Okamoto leading the team with 10 home runs.
The Blue Jays continue to navigate these challenges as they aim to stay competitive in the standings.
