Bold statement: Even seasoned pros (and their fans) can misread the impact of stepping away when the stakes are highest. And this is where the story gets nuanced... Jose Berrios has apologized to his Toronto Blue Jays teammates and to the fan base for being absent during last season’s playoff push toward the World Series.
Berrios spoke with reporters on the second day of the Blue Jays’ spring training camp.
The right-hander was placed on Toronto’s injured list for the first time in his career last September due to tendon inflammation in his right elbow and biceps.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Berrios explained that, because he couldn’t pitch, he returned home to his family in Puerto Rico. He acknowledged afterward that that decision was a mistake, acknowledging it as not best for the team or for his own professional responsibilities during a critical period.
Typically, injured players stay with the major league club through the playoffs as a sign of solidarity with their teammates.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider indicated that better communication from the coaching staff with Berrios at the time could have helped, implying that the situation might have been handled more clearly or supportively.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on February 12, 2026.
What this reveals—and what it leaves open for discussion—is how players balance personal recovery with team obligations, and whether different choices might have altered the narrative of the postseason run. Do you think teams should mandate travel with the squad during playoffs, even when a player is sidelined? Or should personal circumstances take precedence? Share your perspective in the comments.
