The Toronto Blue Jays have spent much of this season dealing with injuries, and that problem surfaced again on Thursday when another important piece of their infield left a game early.
“The injury bug won't let up on the Toronto Blue Jays,” Sportsnet reported. “Andres Gimenez exited Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth inning with right hamstring tightness. Gimenez had grounded out and then winced and grabbed his hamstring after being called out at first base.”
The latest setback comes at a time when Toronto is already managing a lengthy injury list, making organizational depth especially important. It also provides an appropriate backdrop for a sudden announcement from a longtime Blue Jays infielder, whose own baseball journey began in Toronto more than 15 years ago.
Toronto Blue Jays’ Former All-Star Prospect Jon Berti Ends Career After Long Journey
On Thursday, MLB veteran and former Blue Jays draft pick Jon Berti announced that he had formally ended his professional baseball career.
“I’ve been on a social media hiatus the last year or so and I’ll probably dip out again, but just wanted to give an update,” Berti wrote on Instagram. “After a lot of thought and consideration, I have decided to retire from professional baseball. It’s been a hell of a journey, full of ups and downs. I’m very grateful for all the opportunities and lessons that baseball has given me over the last 15+ years.”
Berti's journey included a long stint with the Blue Jays organization as well as a return after a trade. The Blue Jays selected him in the 11th round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Bowling Green State, 559th overall, and he spent seven seasons working through the minor leagues before reaching the majors.
His development included a standout stretch in Toronto's system. With Vancouver in 2011, Berti stole 23 bases and hit .291. He later stole 56 bases for Dunedin in 2013, leading the Florida State League, before playing winter ball in Australia and setting a league record with 31 stolen bases for the Canberra Cavalry.
Berti eventually reached Double-A and Triple-A, earned an Eastern League All-Star selection and continued to establish himself as one of the more aggressive baserunners in the organization.
After becoming a minor league free agent following the 2017 season, Berti returned to Toronto on a minor league contract in January 2018. He was briefly traded to Cleveland that April before being sent back to the Blue Jays two months later.
Toronto Blue Jays Infielder Announces Retirement
Toronto finally promoted Berti to the majors in 2018, giving him his first start at second base. He appeared in five games for the Blue Jays before becoming a free agent that offseason.
His career took off elsewhere. Berti eventually became a valuable utility player with the Miami Marlins, earning recognition for his defensive versatility and speed. He later spent time with the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs.
His final major league stop came with Chicago in 2025. The Cubs signed him to a one-year, $2 million contract, and he appeared in 51 games while hitting .210/.262/.230 and stealing 11 bases. Chicago designated him for assignment in August and released him after he cleared waivers.
Now, after more than 15 years in professional baseball, Berti is choosing to close the book on a career defined by persistence.
His journey began with the Blue Jays and ended after opportunities with several other organizations. As Toronto continues dealing with injuries such as Gimenez's latest hamstring issue, Berti's retirement serves as another reminder of how difficult — and rewarding — the long road through professional baseball can be.