Blue Jays name Berríos Opening Day starter

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander José Berríos will start Opening Day against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on March 28, the club announced Tuesday.

"He embodies what we’re talking about when we talk about stuff, durability, teammate, professionalism," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said, according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson. "I was thrilled to give him that news this morning."

This will be Berríos' fourth career Opening Day start. The 29-year-old started Opening Day in 2022 for the Blue Jays, allowing four runs while recording just one out against the Texas Rangers.

Right-hander Alek Manoah started Opening Day for the Blue Jays last season but is sidelined with a shoulder issue. 2023 AL Cy Young finalist Kevin Gausman is also dealing with a shoulder issue and is uncertain to be available for his first turn through the rotation.

The Blue Jays acquired Berríos from the Minnesota Twins at the 2021 trade deadline. He posted an 11-12 record with a 3.65 ERA and 184 strikeouts across 189 2/3 innings last season.

Toronto is also dealing with some injuries in the bullpen. Closer Jordan Romano received an anti-inflammatory injection after undergoing an MRI on his right elbow, although it showed no structural damage, according to Matheson. Right-hander Erik Swanson has right forearm tightness, but an MRI showed no injury or inflammation.