As the preseason progresses, injury updates keep coming in from all around the MLB. Most of them concern pitchers, with some getting surprising diagnoses just ahead of the regular season. Here’s taking a look at two of the latest injury-related developments.
Hayden Birdsong Injured in Giants Spring Training Camp
San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey told the San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser on Thursday that pitcher Hayden Birdsong was facing elbow issues. The club has yet to provide an update on the young pitcher’s situation.
Birdsong was a probable depth piece option for San Francisco even though he had been struggling thus far in their spring training camp. In 2.1 innings pitched in three appearances, he earned eight runs on eight hits and two walks and just two strikeouts.
The 24-year-old made his MLB debut two years back, pitching 5-6 with a 4.88 ERA in that season. Last year, he shifted from the bullpen to the rotation and finished with a 5.76 ERA. His time in the majors preceded a disappointing 6.23 ERA in 10 starts with Triple-A Sacramento.
Jose Berrios Getting Expert Opinion After Elbow Inflammation Diagnosis
Team Puerto Rico’s rotation has done well for themselves after starter Jose Berrios was taken away due to a surprise elbow inflammation diagnosis during the tournament physical. Now the Toronto Blue Jays pitcher is expected to meet a specialised doctor to proceed with the treatment of the injury.
Berrios has admitted that he hasn’t felt any pain or discomfort in his elbow. His visit to the doctor could be just a necessary precaution the club is taking before he can be eased back into the starting rotation ahead of Opening Day.
The 31-year-old has been with the Toronto Blue Jays for four and a half seasons now. He pitched to a 9-5 record with a 4.17 ERA in 2025, slightly better than his career 4.08 ERA.
Berrios was set to be part of the back-end of the starting rotation with Dylan Cease, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman and Eric Lauer ahead of him. KBO returnee Cody Ponce and Berrios could be used in the bullpen by the Blue Jays.
