Spring training couldn’t have gone much worse for the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation. Before the season even began, injuries piled up—quickly turning what looked like a strength into a major concern.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber. | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Image
Now, for the first time in weeks, there’s a sense of cautious optimism.
Several key pitchers are finally making progress in their recoveries, offering hope that help could arrive sooner rather than later. Shane Bieber and José Berríos are both expected to throw off the mound this week, a meaningful step in their return process.
That development alone signals that things may be stabilizing.
Bieber had been sidelined early with elbow inflammation, never fully ramping up for the season. Meanwhile, Berríos dealt with a stress fracture in his elbow—an injury that can be tricky, even when pain isn’t constant. The fact that both are advancing to mound work suggests their timelines are moving in the right direction.
Trey Yesavage may be even closer.
After dealing with a shoulder impingement, he has already begun a throwing program and recently completed a simulated outing. Reports indicate his velocity is returning, a key sign that his recovery is on track. A minor league appearance could be next, potentially putting him just weeks away from rejoining the major league roster.
Of course, not all the news has been positive.
Bowden Francis underwent Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2026 season, a significant long-term loss for the organization. His absence only magnifies how important it is for the rest of the rotation to recover properly.
In the meantime, Toronto has leaned on its depth.
Veterans like Max Scherzer, along with arms such as Cody Ponce and Eric Lauer, are expected to hold things together at the back end of the rotation. It’s not the ideal scenario, but it’s a necessary bridge while the team waits for its frontline options to return.
Timelines remain fluid.
Bieber will likely require the longest ramp-up, potentially going through a full rehab progression before returning. Berríos and Yesavage appear closer, though the team will undoubtedly proceed with caution given the nature of their injuries.
That patience will be critical.
It’s still early in the season, and rushing any of these arms back could create bigger problems down the line. The Blue Jays understand that maintaining long-term health matters more than short-term urgency.
For now, though, the outlook is shifting.
After weeks of uncertainty, Toronto finally has something it didn’t before—momentum in the right direction.
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