Toronto Blue Jays Confirm Opening Day Starter For Matchup with Tampa Bay Rays
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In the wake of Kevin Gausman's shoulder discomfort this spring, the Toronto Blue Jays are going to start veteran right-hander Jose Berrios on Opening Day this year.
Earlier on Tuesday, we learned that the Tampa Bay Rays would start Zach Eflin for the matchup, and now we know that Berrios will be the Jays' answer.
The team put the announcement out on social media:
"Our Machine on the Mound. Opening Day belongs to Jose!"
Berrios went 11-12 for Toronto last year but put together a solid 3.65 ERA over 32 starts. He's entering his third full season in Toronto after being traded there during the 2021 season.
This will be the ninth major league season for Berrios between the Minnesota Twins and Jays. Lifetime, he's 83-66 with a 4.15 ERA, but some of that is marred by a rough 2022 that saw him post a 5.23 ERA.
With Kevin Gausman likely sidelined through the season's first week, Berrios will be joined in the rotation by Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi. The remaining rotation spots are up for grabs right now.
Toronto finished third in the American League East last season but advanced to the playoffs again as a wild card team. Unfortunately, they were swept in that round by the Twins, marking the second straight year that they have failed to win a single playoff game.
They were also swept in that round by the Seattle Mariners in 2022. If the Jays want to compete again in the deeply-talented American League East, they'll need Berrios to contine to step up.
He'll get the chance to show what he's got for 2024 next Thursday on Opening Day.
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