The Blue Jays' recent injuries have been a cause for concern, particularly with the case of José Berríos. The pitcher's stress fracture in his throwing elbow, which flared up during a minor league rehab stint, has left the team with a difficult decision. Manager John Schneider suggests surgery is on the table, despite no ligament damage being detected. The presence of 'loose bodies' in Berríos' elbow adds complexity to the situation, with a range of recovery outcomes. This is not an uncommon issue, as evidenced by the recent surgeries of Tarik Skubal and Edwin Díaz, who are expected to miss two to three months. The Jays' rotation is currently in a precarious state, with a four-man lineup of Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, and Patrick Corbin. This situation highlights the team's need for a more stable pitching staff, especially with a hectic schedule ahead.
On a more positive note, the Blue Jays' offense has received some encouraging updates. Alejandro Kirk, who has been progressing in his rehab, is set to catch injured starter Shane Bieber's next bullpen session. This development bodes well for Kirk's recovery from a fractured left thumb, which occurred on April 3rd and required surgery. Kirk's return will significantly boost the team's performance, as he has a 110 career wRC+ and an 11.5% career strikeout rate. His absence has been detrimental, with the team ranking 23rd in the Majors with a 93 wRC+.
Additionally, Addison Barger's recovery is a positive sign. Barger, who has only had 28 plate appearances this year, is expected to be back soon after hitting and throwing drills. His previous performance, with a 107 wRC+ in 502 plate appearances last year, suggests that his underlying metrics are sustainable. Barger's average exit velocity and hard-hit rate were in the 86th and 91st percentiles, respectively. The team's concern over a succession of injuries is understandable, but the potential return of Barger adds depth to the lineup, albeit not as significantly as Kirk's return.
