Jose Berríos Eyes World Baseball Classic After Injury Recovery

José Berríos, the veteran pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, is optimistic about his future after an injury-shortened 2025 season. The right-hander recently returned to his hometown in Puerto Rico, where he participated in a celebrity softball game organized by his charity, the La Makina Foundation. This event aims to support local charities and engage with the community.

During a recent appearance on MLB Network, Berríos reflected on the challenges of the past season, particularly regarding his injury that sidelined him from the Blue Jays’ post-season run. “It was an unbelievable year,” he stated. “The guys gave 100 percent every day out there. It was fun, and I enjoyed it all year long.”

Berríos faced persistent issues with his elbow and bicep throughout the season, ultimately leading to his placement on the Injured List on September 25, 2025. This marked the first time in his Major League Baseball career that he missed time due to injury. His IL designation came shortly after being transitioned to the bullpen as the Blue Jays adjusted their pitching strategy for the playoffs.

“I was trying to stay out there and compete every five days with them,” Berríos explained. Despite his efforts, he could not continue due to the discomfort he was experiencing. He described the injury as bicep tendon inflammation, clarifying, “Nothing major. We attacked that real quick, and that’s why I didn’t pitch in the playoffs.”

Berríos concluded the season with a 4.17 ERA, totaling 166 innings across 31 appearances. This performance marked the fewest starts and innings he had recorded in a full season since 2017, where he typically made 32 starts in six of the previous seven seasons, excluding the shortened 2020 season.

Recovery and Future Plans

Currently, Berríos is five weeks into his off-season throwing program and is on track to return to the mound when the Blue Jays report to spring training in early 2026. His focus is not solely on his recovery, as he also aims to represent Puerto Rico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, scheduled for March 2026.

“I want to pitch in the WBC. I have that in mind,” he stated confidently. “First of all, get through spring training healthy and strong and then get ready for the WBC.” Berríos first participated in the tournament in 2013 at the age of 19 and has consistently sought opportunities to play for his country.

During the 2023 tournament, he made one start, allowing five earned runs in just one inning of work. This time, Puerto Rico will host the Pool A round-robin stage, featuring teams from Canada, Cuba, Panama, and Colombia. The competition will take place in San Juan, where teams will vie for advancement to the quarterfinals.

As Berríos prepares for the challenges ahead, his commitment to both his recovery and his national team reflects his dedication to the sport and his community. The upcoming season presents a fresh opportunity for the pitcher to reclaim his position on the mound and contribute to his team’s success.