José Berríos is looking to establish his new cut fastball as a reliable option against left-handed hitters in the upcoming season with the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite facing challenges from lefties over recent seasons, Berríos has been refining his pitch mix. In spring training, he increased the use of his cutter, aiming for greater consistency in grip and control. This offseason, he has worked on improving the cutter's effectiveness, which only made up a small percentage of his pitch mix last year.

In his spring outings, Berríos successfully used the cutter against both left- and right-handed hitters, indicating his growing comfort with the pitch. With the Blue Jays competing in a tough AL East division, Berríos hopes his refined arsenal, alongside a strong starting rotation, will help propel the team to success this year. His past performance shows promise, and if he can harness the cutter effectively, he could become a crucial asset in the Jays' pitching strategy.

In an impressive display, the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Detroit Tigers 13-3 during spring training. Anthony Santander was a standout performer, driving in three runs, while Andrés Giménez contributed two RBIs. José Berríos pitched 2.2 shutout innings, showcasing his potential with an ERA of 1.69. The Blue Jays scored in multiple innings, capitalizing on key hits from players like Alejandro Kirk and Joey Loperfido.

The Tigers struggled against Toronto's offensive onslaught, despite Tarik Skubal’s solid three-inning outing. As the Blue Jays continue to refine their roster, their combination of additions and returning talents suggests a promising season ahead.

The Toronto Blue Jays' starting rotation has navigated the last two seasons without significant injuries, but the odds suggest that luck will eventually run out. In such an event, the depth of the pitching staff will be crucial. Jake Bloss, a right-handed pitcher acquired from the Houston Astros in a trade, represents part of this depth. Although not expected to make the opening-day roster, the 23-year-old is viewed as a valuable asset ready to step in if needed.

Bloss had a challenging 2024 season, pitching for five different teams and logging a career-high 105 innings, which tested his endurance. This offseason, the Jays emphasized improving his fitness, noting adjustments to his delivery and pitch arsenal. Bloss's youth and potential have led him to rise in prospect rankings, making him the third-best prospect in the Jays system according to MLB Pipeline. Heading into the new season, a strong performance in Triple-A could position him to fill in seamlessly in the majors.

The Philadelphia Phillies showcased their offensive might by scoring five runs in a chaotic sixth inning, resulting in a 9-6 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. This game marked the Blue Jays' first loss of spring training as they fell to 3-1. A stellar performance from Kyle Schwarber, who delivered a vital RBI single, and timely contributions from Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and J.T. Realmuto propelled the Phillies to victory.

Despite trailing 2-1 before the sixth inning, the Blue Jays mounted a spirited comeback with a four-run ninth inning. However, they fell short, ending the game with Jacob Sharp striking out. Toronto's Jose Berrios had a solid outing, allowing only one run in two innings, while Jared Hennig and Richard Lovelady struggled in the sixth. The Blue Jays will look to bounce back in their next matchup against the Baltimore Orioles.

The Toronto Blue Jays have quietly bolstered their pitching depth by signing veteran Ryan Yarbrough to a minor-league deal. This move provides vital insurance for an aging rotation, particularly as injuries have plagued the team's pitching staff in previous seasons. Yarbrough, who posted a stellar 2.01 ERA last year in over 31 innings, is expected to compete for a spot on the roster this spring.

With the starting rotation potentially featuring José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis, Yarbrough's addition could impact the deployment of Yariel Rodríguez, who may see time as a middle reliever. The Jays have also struggled with depth in their minor leagues, making Yarbrough’s experience crucial as they look to avoid last year's injury woes.