The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays are about to throw hands for the World Series in a few days. But as Toronto readies for its first Fall Classic to end a 32-year championship drought, its rhythm has cracked– pitcher José Berríos is sidelined for the first time in his ten-year-long career.

Dodgers Nation reported in their piece writing, “The Los Angeles Dodgers will be facing a Toronto Blue Jays team that will be without All-Star right-hander Jose Berrios for the World Series… Blue Jays manager John Schneider revealed that Berrios has resumed throwing, but he will not return for the Fall Classic.”

While the update comes now, Berríos’ season may just have effectively ended in late September, when he was placed on the injured list with right elbow inflammation for the first time. His last start came on September 16, and he made a brief relief appearance on September 24 (his first since 2017) before being sidelined for 15 days. The 31-year-old’s velocity had dipped slightly in recent weeks, prompting an MRI evaluation. 

Thankfully, there was no structural damage, though Berríos sought a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister for confirmation. Beyond that, he has also begun a throwing program under supervision, though he will not pitch again this season.

 Manager John Schneider described the situation as “awkward.” The stakes are amplified by Berríos’ contract situation. In 2021, he agreed to a seven-year, $131 million extension with Toronto, making him the cornerstone of the Blue Jays’ rotation for the foreseeable future. Ever since 2021, Berríos has had injuries, for sure, that saw him leave games but not have his name on the IL. 

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Back in September 2021, the pitcher threw 87 pitches through seven innings in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, but didn’t return for the eighth, saying he “felt something” on his side. Back then, they called it left abdominal tightness and let him sit out the remainder of the game that ended in a shutout loss. And the only other time, in April 2023, when he had a left knee contusion after being struck by a comebacker– also in a game against the Rays.

But Schneider also noted that the pitcher had been “grinding through” the issue for some time. Which is true if you know that before the IL stint, Berríos had made 30 starts this season, posting a 4.06 ERA and a 9–5 record. He had been moved to the bullpen toward the end of September, a move he was openly unhappy about, but continued competing until his elbow issues worsened.

Even without Berríos, though, the Blue Jays have maintained consistent dominance over playoff-level opponents this season. Toronto won 9 of its last 10 games before the ALCS, including series victories against tough teams, with its pitching staff limiting opponents to a .238 average in the postseason. 

Right-handers Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Chris Bassitt will lead the staff against Los Angeles. Gausman has posted a 2.00 ERA across 18 postseason innings. Yesavage, Toronto’s top prospect, matched his number of postseason and regular-season starts with three, including an 11-strikeout, 5.1 hitless inning performance in the ALDS. Bassitt returned from a lower back injury earlier this month and has allowed just a sacrifice fly in 2.2 postseason relief innings.

Yet, even with these reinforcements, the Blue Jays’ rotation is feeling the pressure, with Max Scherzer struggling down the stretch and younger arms like Yesavage now shouldering more responsibility.

The Blue Jays are heading to the World Series, but how should they select their team?

The Blue Jays face a delicate puzzle, balancing Bo Bichette’s knee recovery with lineup flexibility and defensive integrity. Bichette’s limited game-speed reps mean he might be confined to DH or pinch-hit duties. Managing George Springer’s bruised kneecap while keeping him in the outfield will test Toronto’s strategic depth and patience.

Pitching choices will equally define the series, especially against Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Relievers Eric Lauer and Mason Fluharty may carry heavier loads, compensating for limited appearances from Yariel Rodriguez. Thoughtful deployment of these position players and pitchers could turn subtle advantages into critical, momentum-shifting moments. Given how often the Dodgers have faced right-handers this season — 115 times, posting a collective .252/.329/.442 slash line — Toronto’s mix of righty-heavy arms could be tested early.

The Blue Jays’ choices will echo loudly, where every decision faces the Dodgers’ relentless firepower and scrutiny. Fans will watch with bated breath as strategy, health, and timing collide in real-time drama. In baseball’s grand theatre, Toronto must dance perfectly between caution and courage to survive this Series.