Ross Atkins says José Berrios “looks great” as the Blue Jays right-hander rehabs from Tommy John surgery. The GM recently saw him in person in the Dominican Republic.

“Hopefully he can be an impact (pitcher) for us,” Atkins said this week.

That's the most encouraging update yet on Berrios' recovery. He underwent the surgery in May after elbow trouble surfaced early in the season.

His return isn't expected until around June. That would mean more than a year away from a big-league mound.

The contract makes his comeback matter. He opted into the final two years of his deal, which pays him $48 million.

He was paid $18.7 million in 2026 without throwing a pitch for Toronto.

José Berrios' rehab could reshape the Blue Jays' 2027 rotation

What would a healthy Berrios add? Depth Toronto badly needs.

The current rotation projects as Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, José Soriano, Cody Ponce and Spencer Arrighetti. A midseason return would push one of them out.

His last healthy season was solid, if unspectacular. He went 9-5 with a 4.17 ERA.

The surgery also came with an unusual complication. Doctors found bone growing into the ligament.

It's good news, but Toronto can't plan around it. A 32-year-old returning from Tommy John is a second-half bonus, not a reason to skip adding a starter now.

His return is like a tax refund you're expecting in summer. Nice to know it's coming, but you don't spend it in November.

When he does come back, his role is an open question. A swingman spot might ease him in better than a full rotation workload.

For now, “looks great” is a promising sign. The Jays will need to see it on a mound before they count on it.