Blue Jays get good news on José Berríos after injury fears against Rays

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This article was published 15/09/2021 (1503 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Blue Jays are hopeful that José Berríos will make his next start after leaving Tuesday night’s loss to the Tampa Bay Rays with abdominal tightness on his right side.

The 27-year-old right-hander gave up one earned run on four hits over seven innings before he was pulled by manager Charlie Montoyo as a precaution.

Berríos received treatment after the game and did not speak to the media as a result, but said before Wednesday’s series finale that the discomfort started in the fourth inning but wasn’t affecting his pitches.

“He’s doing fine. He’s doing a lot better than we thought, which is great news,” Montoyo said before Berríos played catch Wednesday, adding that no MRI was required.

After throwing before Wednesday’s game, Berríos likened how he was feeling to the day after any start: “Today I feel really good.”

Berríos anticipates making his next start, but when that will be remains to be seen.

The Jays have Thursday off, which could mean some changes to the current rotation that would see Hyun-Jin Ryu, Steven Matz and Alek Manoah start Friday, Saturday and Sunday against the Minnesota Twins at the Rogers Centre. Montoyo would only confirm Ryu will start Friday and Matz on Saturday. On Sunday, it could be Manoah or Berríos, who would also be working on normal rest.

Berríos has posted a 3.31 ERA in 51 2/3 innings over nine starts since he was acquired from the Twins for top prospects Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson.

Roberto Clemente Day

Montoyo and Berríos, both Puerto Rican, were among those proudly sporting No. 21 on Wednesday — Roberto Clemente Day in the majors, honouring the Hall of Fame right-fielder who died in a plane crash in 1972.

Berríos was not yet born when Clemente was killed while trying to deliver earthquake relief supplies to Nicaragua. His dad taught him about the Pittsburgh Pirates legend.

“The first thing he said (was), ‘We’re never going to see another arm like he had in right field,’” the pitcher said.

But it was Clemente’s impact off the field that struck him most.

“Today means a lot for Puerto Ricans but also for all Latin guys, playing this beautiful sport, having a chance to put 21 on your jersey, feel like you are Roberto Clemente, like you have his spirit in yourself,” Berríos said.

Montoyo, who was eight when Clemente died, remembered seeing the outfielder at a baseball clinic in San Juan, about a two-hour drive from his hometown of Florida, Puerto Rico. Montoyo was in awe of his hero, even though the clinic was rained out.

“Like they say, every Puerto Rican wears 21 on their back because we’re so proud of him and I want to follow in his steps,” Montoyo said.

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Jays third-base coach Luis Rivera, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., outfielder George Springer and shortstop Bo Bichette also wore No. 21.

Bichette, who went on to drive in five runs in a 6-3 victory over the Rays, is the Jays’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions on and off the field. Bichette, a first-time nominee, has worked with a number of charities in Toronto, including Sunnybrook Hospital, and back home near St. Petersburg, Fla.

Montoyo said he’s inspired by one Clemente quote in particular: “Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.”

“I go by that,” the manager said. “That’s what I believe in. I love that quote. That’s what he used to do.”

Laura Armstrong is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @lauraarmy