José Berríos is set to make a triumphant return to the World Baseball Classic, rejoining Puerto Rico just in time for the quarterfinals. After initial insurance hurdles kept him on the sidelines, the 31-year-old pitcher has received the green light to suit up, as confirmed by manager Yadier Molina.
Berríos, a familiar face for Puerto Rico in past WBC tournaments, was determined to prepare for this moment. Despite the insurance snag, he kept his arm in shape, increasing his pitch count with the hope of eventually joining his team.
“I still have my hope,” Berríos shared early in spring training. His dedication was evident as he sported cleats adorned with the Puerto Rican flag and shared supportive messages for his teammates on social media.
In a recent spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Berríos threw 63 pitches over four innings. Notably, his velocity showed improvement, surpassing his 2025 season average. This is promising news for the Blue Jays, who are eager to see him rebound after an injury-plagued 2025 season that saw him exit the team before the World Series.
Berríos' addition brings a seasoned presence to Puerto Rico’s pitching staff, which has relied on young talent in the tournament so far. With the team already leading the WBC in ERA, his veteran experience is a welcome boost. Seth Lugo, the only other seasoned MLB starter on the roster, might make way for Berríos.
Carlos Beltrán, Puerto Rico's general manager, expressed enthusiasm about Berríos joining the team. “It’s great knowing we’ll have a fresh arm in the second series. He’s a horseman, a huge guy,” Beltrán noted.
With Puerto Rico's advancement to the knockout stage secured, they now focus on seeding for the quarterfinals. Berríos and his team are set to face off against a contender from Pool B, which includes formidable teams like the United States, Italy, and Mexico.
While the specifics of Berríos' clearance remain undisclosed, he’s not the only Blue Jays pitcher joining the WBC action. Tyler Rogers is also expected to pitch for Team USA in the next round, highlighting the dynamic nature of the tournament's pitcher rotations.