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1h ago

Blue Jays Move Jose Berrios to Bullpen as Flexible Option

Toronto prioritizes short-term pitching flexibility during an AL East push.

Image
Sep 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Berrios (17) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images.

Overview

  • Manager John Schneider said Berrios remains available to start but will be used out of the bullpen "going forward."
  • The shift followed a 20-1 loss in Kansas City in which Max Scherzer allowed seven runs in two-thirds of an inning, heavily taxing the relief corps.
  • Berrios has a 4.06 ERA and recent downturns, including no strikeouts over four innings in his last start and weaker results over his past 13 outings.
  • Toronto leads the division at 89-65, with Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Shane Bieber and Scherzer in the rotation, rookie Trey Yesavage emerging, and Eric Lauer already moved to the bullpen.
  • Berrios has spoken about feeling mentally and physically run down, and reporting notes his contract obligations through 2028 make a permanent role change unlikely.