Encouraging Signs Emerge as Prelander Berroa Begins Throwing Ahead of White Sox Spring Training

Even before pitchers and catchers officially report to spring training, the Chicago White Sox have already received a dose of optimism from Camelback Ranch. Right-handed reliever Prelander Berroa, who underwent Tommy John surgery last March, has begun throwing again at the team’s spring training complex—an important step forward in what could be a pivotal recovery timeline.

Berroa’s progress surfaced quietly through social media, but the significance is anything but minor. Less than a full year removed from elbow reconstruction, the 26-year-old appears to be ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation process, offering hope that he could re-enter the White Sox bullpen picture sooner than initially expected.

A Reliever with Impact Stuff

Berroa arrived in Chicago as part of the February 2024 trade that sent Gregory Santos to Seattle, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impression. During his rookie campaign, he emerged as one of the more intriguing bullpen arms on the roster, combining premium velocity with a swing-and-miss breaking ball that immediately translated at the major league level.

In 17 appearances during the 2024 season, Berroa posted a 3.32 ERA while striking out 26 batters in just 19 innings. His raw stuff stood out immediately. His four-seam fastball averaged nearly 97.5 miles per hour, and his slider proved especially effective, limiting opposing hitters to a .173 average across 60 plate appearances. For a first-year reliever, his ability to miss bats and limit hard contact suggested a much higher ceiling than that of a typical middle-inning arm.

By the end of the season, Berroa looked poised to take on a more prominent role in the bullpen, potentially even working his way into late-inning situations.

A Setback at the Worst Possible Time

That momentum came to a sudden halt early in 2025 spring training. In his first appearance of the spring, Berroa exited with elbow discomfort that was later diagnosed as a serious strain. Within weeks, the decision was made for him to undergo Tommy John surgery, effectively wiping out his entire season before it had even begun.

The injury was a double blow. For Berroa, it meant losing a critical year of development just as he was establishing himself in the majors. For the White Sox, it removed a high-upside reliever from a bullpen that would go on to struggle mightily throughout the season.

Chicago’s relief corps ranked among the worst in baseball in 2025, particularly in high-leverage situations. The absence of reliable power arms was glaring, and Berroa was exactly the type of pitcher who could have helped stabilize the group had he remained healthy.

Signs of a Strong Recovery

Now, less than twelve months after surgery, Berroa throwing again represents a significant milestone. While early throwing does not guarantee an accelerated return, it does suggest that his rehab is progressing smoothly and without major setbacks.

Tommy John recovery timelines typically range from 12 to 18 months, especially for pitchers who rely heavily on velocity and sharp breaking pitches. Even with Berroa appearing ahead of schedule, it would be unrealistic to expect him to be fully ready by Opening Day. The White Sox have little incentive to rush him, particularly with the team not projected to contend in the early part of the season.

A cautious approach remains the most likely path. If his rehab continues without complication, a return sometime in the early summer appears to be a reasonable target, potentially positioning him as a midseason boost to the bullpen.

A Bullpen on the Rise

One of the more intriguing storylines for the White Sox heading into 2026 is the transformation of their bullpen. After being a major weakness last season, the relief unit now features several high-octane arms with upside. Seranthony Domínguez, Grant Taylor, and Jordan Leasure headline a group built around power, movement, and strikeout ability.

Berroa’s eventual return would add another dynamic weapon to that mix. His ability to generate swings and misses gives him late-inning potential, and his age and remaining team control make him a long-term asset rather than a short-term fix.

He is also part of a broader wave of White Sox pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery, including Drew Thorpe, Ky Bush, Mason Adams, and Blake Larson. Together, they represent a critical portion of the organization’s pitching depth moving forward.

Looking Ahead

At just 26 years old with multiple seasons of team control remaining, Berroa still figures prominently into the White Sox’s future plans. His early progress is an encouraging sign not only for his individual outlook, but also for a franchise seeking internal solutions to rebuild its pitching staff.

While patience will remain the priority, Berroa’s recovery is worth monitoring closely. If his return unfolds as hoped, he could help turn what was once a glaring weakness into a legitimate strength—both later this season and for years to come.