Former Minnesota Twins pitcher José Berríos made his first start with the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, throwing six shutout innings in a 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
Berríos was traded to the Blue Jays on Friday and wasted no time in making a first impression. After allowing a pair of singles in the first inning, the right-hander picked up his first strikeout on a curveball to Nicky Lopez in the second.
Meet @JOLaMaKina's curveball 😳
There's his FIRST #BlueJays K! pic.twitter.com/BqQ6HkxENH
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 1, 2021
The Blue Jays responded by giving Berríos a 5-0 lead before he ran into a bases-loaded jam in the sixth inning. After a quick mound visit, Berríos was able to strike out Edward Olivares to get out of the inning and record his seventh strikeout of the day.
That would mark the end of the afternoon for Berríos, who threw six shutout innings before turning things over to the bullpen and earning a new nickname.
Jos-ÉH is HERE 🔥
His #BlueJays debut: 6 IP, 7 Ks, ZERO runs! pic.twitter.com/Sb6nNsilaJ
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 1, 2021
Berríos is expected to be a key addition as the Blue Jays look to get back into the race in the American League Central. While Berríos thrived in his first start, Twins fans will have their eyes focused on their return of Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson.
Both Martin and Woods Richardson are expected to make their debuts in the Twins system at Double-A Wichita this week.
