Toronto Blue Jays reveal Jose Berrios MRI results, getting second opinion on elbow

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said an MRI revealed no structural damage to Berrios' elbow.

However, the veteran right-hander will meet with renowned Tommy John specialist Dr. Keith Meister for a second opinion.

The Blue Jays placed Berrios on the injured list Thursday with right elbow inflammation.

The move came days after the longtime starter was moved to the bullpen as the Blue Jays worked to align their pitching plans for the playoffs.

Berrios, 31, has been a fairly steady presence in the Toronto rotation this year. He has given the club 166 innings with a 4.17 earned run average.

However, he has been worse of late. He had a 3.75 ERA in the first half but a 5.15 ERA in the second. That recently got him bumped to the Toronto bullpen.

It's possible this elbow issue has been impacting his results, as Schneider alluded to. He was averaging in the 93-95 mile per hour range with his fastball earlier in the season but has been more in the 91-93 mph band lately.

Durability has been a hallmark of the righty's career. This is actually his first ever trip to the major league IL.

Given his recent downturn in results and move to the bullpen, he had become less important to Toronto's pitching staff.

Once the playoffs arrive, all teams will rely more on their top arms, making the length a bit less important.

The Jays have already clinched a spot but are still trying to lock down the division and a first-round bye or home-field advantage in the Wild Card round.

Tonight the Tampa Rays visit Rogers Centre for the final three-game set of the regular season.

The Jays plans to start Shane Bieber, then Trey Yesavage and Kevin Gausman over the weekend.