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Blue Jays Shift José Berríos to Bullpen, Keep Option to Start

Toronto is seeking pitching flexibility after its bullpen was taxed by a 20-1 loss.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: José Berríos #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays heads to the dugout after being pulled from the game during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 23, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
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.
Sep 16, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Jose Berrios (17) walks to the dugout after he pitched the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Manager John Schneider said Berríos remains available to start but will be used out of the bullpen going forward.
  • The veteran right-hander owns a 4.06 ERA, with a sharp split between a strong first half and a 5.37 ERA over his last 13 starts, including no strikeouts in his most recent outing.
  • Berríos has acknowledged feeling mentally and physically worn down, and the club is weighing multi-inning or piggyback relief looks after he was seen loosening in the bullpen.
  • The move follows Max Scherzer’s 0.2-inning, seven-run start in a 20-1 defeat that forced Toronto’s relievers to cover more than seven innings.
  • Rotation and roster choices also reflect recent shifts, including rookie Trey Yesavage’s emergence, Eric Lauer’s move to relief, and postseason planning with Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and Chris Bassitt leading the staff.