The Toronto Blue Jays have announced their opening-day starting pitcher, the 2023 Gold Glove Winner Jose Berrios. John Schneider made it official this morning, March 19th, and stated, “He embodies what we’re talking about when we talk about stuff: durability, teammate, professionalism. I was thrilled to give him that news this morning.” While this is excellent news for Berrios, the Blue Jays did receive some unfortunate news for their bullpen. Both Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson are dealing with arm injuries. Gausman is also expected to throw a two-inning simulated game as he may not be ready for opening day.
LA MAKINA. 💪
José Berríos is your 2024 @BlueJays Opening Day starter! pic.twitter.com/ydc09KqwVQ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 19, 2024
John Schneider Has Announced The Blue Jays Opening Day Starting Pitcher
La Makina
Jose Berrios had an impressive 2023 season as a Blue Jays starting pitcher. He recorded an 11-12 record, with a 3.65 ERA, 189.2 innings pitched, and 184 strikeouts. His 2023 season as a starting pitcher earned him his first Gold Glove Award, and he has come along so far from his 2022 season, where he recorded a 5.23 ERA. When Berrios learned the great news, he was grateful to receive this honor for starting the opening day. Berrios stated when he received the news, “This is a pleasure. I am so happy, and I know my family and teammates are happy. They have congratulated me already, and I feel really proud.” Berrios deserves to get the Opening Day start as he is a workhorse and a machine on the mound. After Berrios was pulled early in the postseason in 2023, which many were baffled by, this is a great way to reward him. Berrios will be facing the Tampa Bay Rays, and it would be nice to see him pitch a solid seven innings.
Romano and Swanson Face The Blues
Injury news in the ‘pen:
Jordan Romano has right elbow inflammation. An MRI showed no structural damage and he’s getting an anti-inflammatory injection.
Erik Swanson has right forearm tightness. An MRI showed no injury or inflammation. He’ll back off for a few days. #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 19, 2024
It has been unfortunate news for Erik Swanson so far in 2024. First, he had to deal with his four-year-old son in the hospital after he got hit by a car, and now he is dealing with right forearm tightness. Luckily, his MRI showed no injury or inflammation, and he shouldn’t miss too much time. Star closer Jordan Romano also has an arm injury and right elbow inflammation. His MRI presented nothing severe, and he will be receiving an anti-inflammatory shot. Unfortunately, the Blue Jays will be without their star closer on Opening Day, but he won’t be sitting in the dugout for too long. Fans and teammates will want Swanson and Romano to have a speedy recovery.
That’s A Wrap
It will be interesting to see if Berrios picks up where he left off in 2023. Berrios is a talented starting pitcher, and the 29-year-old is ready to showcase and put forth all he has. As soon as the 2023 season ended, Berrios was in the gym, focusing on training for the 2024 season. Fans will also be waiting for Gausman to return as he has been dealing with a shoulder injury. This is why it is so important to have many options on your team to which you can turn. Injuries always come unexpectedly, and you must be ready to have backup options.
Main Photo Credits: Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
