Berrios named Blue Jays' opening-day starter for second straight year

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berríos throws against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning of a spring training baseball game, Monday, March 3, 2025, in Lakeland, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays announced Monday that right-hander José Berrios will be their 2025 season-opening starting pitcher.

Berrios will kick off the Blue Jays' season for the second year in a row and the third time in the last four campaigns when he takes the mound March 27 against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

He earned the win in an 8-2 road victory over the Tampa Bay Rays to open 2024. He gave up two runs on six hits while striking out six over six innings.

His opening-day start in 2022 was less memorable. He was pulled after allowing four earned runs in 1/3 of an inning before Toronto rallied for a 10-8 win over the Texas Rangers at Rogers Centre.

Berrios went 16-11 with a 3.60 earned-run average over 32 starts in 2024. He has a 1-0 record with a 2.35 ERA over four starts this spring.

The Blue Jays have won their last five season openers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2025.

The Canadian Press