Blue Jays’ Jose Berrios to see elbow specialist, while Max Scherzer receives cortisone injection

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Published May 08, 2026  •  2 minute read

José Berríos is being summoned to see Dr. Keith Meister, an orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon based in Texas. Getty Images

As they prepare to welcome back Addison Barger from the injured list, an arrival scheduled for Saturday, some ominous clouds are beginning to hover over veteran pitchers Max Scherzer and Jose Berrios.

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Of the two, the most troublesome news involves Berrios.

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His fall from one-time staff ace has been difficult to watch, a player who epitomizes professionalism, someone who has tried to be a loyal foot soldier.

It’s never a good development when a pitcher nursing an elbow injury is being summoned to see Dr. Keith Meister, an orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon based in Texas.

Two years ago this month, Alek Manoah visited the renowned elbow specialist.

Barger set to return on Saturday

The Big Puma, by the way, was back at Rogers Centre Friday night as a member of the L.A. Angels.

It was two years ago when Manoah underwent season-ending surgery after an MRI revealed a sprain in his right UCL ligament.

Berrios isn’t expected to experience anything close to what Manoah endured, but it’s why next Tuesday’s visit looms large.

An MRI showed some inflammation and slight changes to the initial elbow injury sustained by Berrios,

Way back in spring training, Berrios was diagnosed with a stress fracture.

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During his rehab outings in triple-A, soreness developed prompting an imaging.

Either way, it’s been a tough road for Berrios, the club’s starter on opening day last season when the Baltimore Orioles were in town.

Scherzer’s immediate future isn’t as worrisome, or at least that’s the hope.

The veteran received a cortisone shot in his right forearm to combat the discomfort Scherzer has experienced.

Scherzer still hurting

Remember, Scherzer has been dealing with an ankle setback and tendinitis in his pitching arm.

In the wake of the cortisone injection, Scherzer won’t throw for five days.

Scherzer has made five starts this season, he most recent on April 24 against the visiting Cleveland Guardians, who touched the right-hander for seven runs on six hits, including three home runs in 2.1 innings.

As for Bam Bam Barger, the power bat was expected to touch down in Toronto Friday.

It was initially felt Barger would be activated as early as Friday night’s series opener against the Angels.

The one-game delay only means the Jays can delay their decision when it comes to announcing which player gets sent down once Barger is activated.

He’s been on the IL because of an ankle issue.

Prior to heading to the IL, Barger had recorded only one hit in 23 plate appearances.

The power dimension has gone missing from the Jays’ lineup, which has been bailed out by Kazuma Okamoto, whose 10 long balls lead the club.

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