Tommy John Surgery Strikes Blue Jays Pitching Staff

The official verdict is in. And it's another huge blow to the Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff. Starter Jose Berrios went under the knife on Wednesday to address the stress fracture in his elbow, and once Dr. Keith Meister got inside, it was apparent that a full Tommy John surgery was the only option.

Jose Berrios ended up needing full Tommy John surgery, which was performed today, said Blue Jays manager John Schneider.

The stress fracture in the elbow ended up damaging the ligament. He’s facing a 12-18 month recovery.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) May 20, 2026

Blue Jays manager John Schneider indicated that the stress fracture in the elbow that Berrios had been diagnosed with during Spring Training wound up damaging the ligament, leading to the TJ procedure.

The iron man pitcher had missed only two starts total over the last seven seasons combined before this year. Now Berrios, 31, will be out until at least midway through the 2027 season, perhaps even until 2028. He could be pushing 33 by the time he returns. That will be the final year of his contract.

More to come...