MLB Player News

Ferguson (elbow) is expected to return in May, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Ferguson is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent in September of 2020. He threw 2.2 innings during spring training but has yet to embark on a rehab assignment.

Kahnle (elbow) is expected to be activated from the injured list in May, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Kahnle wasn't ready for Opening Day as he was still recovering from Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent in August 2020. He's made two rehab appearances for Low-A Rancho Cucamonga to begin the season, tossing a pair of scoreless innings.

Rodriguez is dealing with a strained right elbow, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rodriguez earned mentions as a dark horse closer candidate during spring training but failed to crack the Opening Day roster. He's now dealing with a potentially significant injury after making just two appearances for Triple-A Iowa. His expected return timeline should become clear after further testing.

Pivetta (0-2) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out a pair over two innings Friday to take the loss against the Twins.

Per Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican, manager Alex Cora mentioned after the game that Pivetta's mechanics were off, leading to a drop of velocity and a corresponding drop in effectiveness. That gives some hope that Pivetta could turn things around soon if he corrects the flaw, which he'll need to do to remain in the rotation. After his poor performance Friday, he's now given up eight runs on nine hits (including three homers) in 7.2 innings of work, striking out six while walking five. It's tough to have much confidence in him next week, as he'll face the Blue Jays' loaded offense Wednesday.

Thompson's suspension has been reduced from three to two games, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Thompson's punishment won't have much of an impact on his availability since he threw 45 pitches in Thursday's series opener in Colorado and will begin serving the suspension Friday. The right-hander has struck out five in six scoreless frames to begin the year, and he'll be eligible to rejoin the Cubs' bullpen for Sunday's game against the Rockies.

Leiter was added to the Cubs' taxi squad Friday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Leiter joined the Cubs on a minor-league deal in mid-December, but he's a prime candidate to start Saturday's game in Colorado since the team hasn't yet announced a starter for the matchup. The 31-year-old hasn't appeared in the majors since 2018, but he allowed one run while striking out seven in four innings during his season debut at Triple-A Iowa last week.

Gilbreath (illness) has rejoined the Rockies and threw a bullpen Friday, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Gilbreath began the regular season on the COVID-19 injured list after testing positive for the virus, but he's now been cleared to rejoin the team. While it's not yet clear whether he'll be activated prior to Friday's game against the Cubs, he should be available to make his season debut soon.

Stephenson (illness) has rejoined the Rockies and threw a bullpen Friday, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Stephenson hasn't yet been activated from the COVID-19 injured list, but it's certainly encouraging that he's now back with the team after testing positive for the virus prior to the regular season. It's not yet clear whether the right-hander will be activated prior to Friday's matchup against the Cubs, but his return appears to be imminent.

Pearson (illness) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Pearson was always unlikely to break camp on the big-league roster, but a bout of mononucleosis late in spring training ruled him out entirely. He still has plenty of work to do to build up to a starter's workload, which remains the Blue Jays' plan for now even though he could help the major-league squad sooner in a bullpen role.

Borucki (hamstring) threw 13 pitches in his simulated game Friday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Borucki tossed 30 pitches during Tuesday's simulated game, but the team scheduled him to throw just one inning Friday. The Blue Jays will wait to see how the left-hander feels Saturday before determining the next step in his recovery process.