Toronto Blue Jays pitcher José Berríos is expected to miss at least 12 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery, the team announced Wednesday. The 32-year-old right-hander had the procedure on May 20 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
Recovery Timeline
The typical recovery period for Tommy John surgery is 12 to 18 months, meaning Berríos could miss the remainder of the 2026 season and a significant portion of the 2027 campaign. The Blue Jays have not provided a specific return date, but general manager Ross Atkins said the team is prepared to move forward without their veteran starter.
Impact on the Rotation
Berríos had been a key part of Toronto's rotation since being acquired from the Minnesota Twins in 2021. He posted a 3.89 ERA in 31 starts last season and was expected to anchor the staff in 2026. The Blue Jays will now rely on younger arms such as Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman, and Yusei Kikuchi to carry the load.
The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Florida. Berríos is expected to begin rehabilitation immediately and will remain with the team during his recovery.
