Jays Ace Jose Berrios has allowed a total of 3 runs in his 2 starts

Blue Jays Ace Jose Berrios has a new mindset that has translated to early success on the mound for the Jays this season. In his first two starts, the right hander has only given up a total of 3 runs in 12 innings pitched. Active positive thoughts according to Berrios are his key to getting batters out.

The 2x All-star is coming off a 2-1 win over the Astros, giving up only 1 run in 6 innings. Although he only accumulated 2 strikeouts and gave up a homerun to Altuve in the 4th, Berrios has found a way to get batters out, and it is mainly due to his new mental game tha the found in 2023.



In 2022, Berrios struggled with a career-high 5.23 ERA, marking one of his toughest seasons since his rookie year in 2016. He faced challenges, leading the American League in hits allowed (199) and earned runs (100), second only to Patrick Corbin of the Nationals. Amidst this, Berrios' confidence took a hit. Despite achieving a 12-7 record, the former first-round pick from the 2012 draft found it difficult to synchronize his pitching arsenal.

Now at 29 years old, Berrios resolved to confront his mental hurdles by fostering a positive atmosphere around him. He shifted his focus onto aspects within his control and refused to dwell on past setbacks. Berrios made a conscious effort to block out any negative opinions from critics.

Here's a look at his routine, as Jose Berrios gazes at the catcher, awaiting the signal from pitchcom technology, he takes a deep breath, briefly holding it in to calm his nerves before delivering the pitch. This pre-pitch routine helps him focus on the batter and allows him to instill self-love and positive affirmation.

With a hot start to the season, the Blue Jays hope that this year's ace can continue what he has been doing, staying consistent, and getting batters out, by any means necessary.

Source: Our Esquina - Positive thoughts help Blue Jays righty Jose Berrios