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Tommy John Surgery Ends Berríos' Season, Leaves Blue Jays Starterless

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Surgeon Keith Meister performed Tommy John surgery on José Berríos' elbow on May 20 2026 after finding a loose body on the ligament, ending his season.
Berríos posted a 10.67 ERA, 1.81 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings across four outings.
The surgery leaves Toronto without a starter, Berríos' 2026 salary at $19 million and $24.7 million for next two seasons, amid injuries to Bowden Francis, Cody Ponce, Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer.

History

Historical Context

In 1974 Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John, saving a career that lasted 14 more seasons. The operation spread worldwide, with Japan’s Choji Murata receiving it in 1982 and roughly one-third of MLB pitchers having it by 2014. José Berríos’ 2026 surgery, costing about $5,000, follows that legacy.

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Story summary

Surgeon Keith Meister performed Tommy John surgery on José Berríos' elbow on May 20 2026 after finding a loose body on the ligament, ending his season.
Berríos posted a 10.67 ERA, 1.81 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings across four outings.
The surgery leaves Toronto without a starter, Berríos' 2026 salary at $19 million and $24.7 million for next two seasons, amid injuries to Bowden Francis, Cody Ponce, Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer.

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