Toronto Blue Jays pitcher accused of ditching the team yet again

Getting back into the good graces of Toronto Blue Jays fans is going to take some work for Jose Berrios.

The 31-year-old, who is entering his sixth season with the Jays, took a ton of heat after being absent for last year's run to the World Series. He was hurt at the time, though many felt his absence was due to frustration after being removed from the starting rotation late in the regular season.

After plenty of speculation in the offseason, Berrios remains with the Jays. Once again, however, he is absent from the team and is taking an extended vacation while dealing with another injury.

Berrios is once again suffering from injury, on the 15-day IL with a stress fracture in his right elbow. And, though he is still in recovery mode, many felt it was odd that he wasn't with the team for their opening weekend after what transpired late last season.

Where is Jose Berrios? Wasn’t with the team during the World Series and now not on the field with the team during Opening Day? Yes, he is injured but so is Yesavage and Bieber.

Should be there. #BlueJays50

— 🤠Turdron Burgunfergus🗞️ (@TheEclectic1One) March 27, 2026

Berrios recently shared video on Instagram of his family enjoying a beach holiday while his teammates were back in Toronto taking on the A's to kick off the regular season.

Great series but this is really not a good look for Berrios. This is his story today and he wasn’t here opening day. Which is different from the other injured pitchers (Bieber, Trey) not a good look for someone who just gave a big apology for not being with the team. pic.twitter.com/unBigqfoR1

— VarlandEnjoyer (@VarlandEnjoyer) March 29, 2026

As one X user pointed out, both Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage, who are also on the IL to begin the season, were in attendance to watch the American League pennant go up to the rafters at Rogers Centre. 

In Berrios' defence, relief pitcher Yimi Garcia, who underwent elbow surgery in September, was also absent as he continues to rehab. 

At the end of the day, Berrios' absence may mean nothing at all in regards to his current relationship with the organization. What it does show, however, is how frustrated plenty of the fan base continues to be after what played out during last year's postseason.