MLB Player News

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Monday that Lucas is "Plan A" to start Wednesday versus the Nationals, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

As long as he isn't needed in relief Tuesday, Lucas will take the ball Wednesday in what would be his first major-league start. He's filling the spot that opened up when Max Scherzer (thumb) was placed on the injured list, and the lefty could be needed for additional starts while Scherzer recovers. Lucas built up to 2.2 innings and 42 pitches during spring training, so he might struggle to work deep enough into Tuesday's contest to qualify for a win.

Patrick is listed as the Brewers' probable pitcher for Sunday's game versus the Reds, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Patrick is set to make his first major-league start Tuesday against the Royals. It's possible the Brewers change their mind if things go particularly poorly Tuesday, but for now Patrick is lined up for another start this weekend. Patrick may be needed for additional starts after that, although Jose Quintana is likely to be ready to join the rotation next week.

The Pirates optioned Bednar to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Bednar really struggled last season and has been tagged for four runs (three earned) over three appearances while recording just three outs so far this season. The Pirates have elected to have him work out his issues in a less pressurized environment. Dennis Santana and Colin Holderman are the top candidates for saves in the Pirates' bullpen.

The Phillies claimed de Geus off waivers from the Marlins on Tuesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

De Geus will join his fourth organization since January after landing with the Phillies. The right-handed reliever has been assigned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he will give the Phillies some bullpen depth.

The Astros acquired Robertson from the Blue Jays on Tuesday in exchange for Edinson Batista, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Robertson had been booted from Toronto's 40-man roster and now will report to Triple-A Sugar Land, where he will provide relief depth for Houston. The 26-year-old has made 27 appearances at the major-league level, compiling a 5.30 ERA and 40:11 K:BB in 35.2 innings.

Diaz (hamstring) threw a live batting practice session Tuesday, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

Diaz continues to work on his mechanics after they were thrown off following a hamstring injury. The reliever is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list April 8, but there has not been an established timetable for his return yet. Reds manager Terry Francona has indicated he would like Diaz to get his closer job back when he's healthy and his mechanics are in order. Emilio Pagan has recorded the Reds' lone save so far, while Ian Gibaut has a blown save.

Hahn re-signed Thursday with the Mariners on a minor-league deal.

After the Mariners released him March 23, Hahn was a free agent for just a few days before deciding to stick around in the organization as a depth arm out of the bullpen. He reported to Triple-A Tacoma and made his season debut Sunday, giving up one hit in a scoreless inning of relief.

Atlanta designated Chavez for assignment Tuesday.

The veteran right-hander inked a minor-league deal with Atlanta last week and had his contract selected from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, and he pitched later in the day versus the Dodgers, giving up a run on two hits and two walks over two innings. Chavez had a 3.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 55:19 K:BB across 46 appearances for Atlanta last season, but his stay on the big-league roster early this year was brief.

Mears (illness) was sent to Triple-A Nashville to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday.

Mears got a late start to the season due to an illness he caught during spring training that resulted in some weight loss. He's got his strength back now and should have a good shot to be activated from the 15-day injured list April 8 when first eligible.

Castro (elbow) struck out two batters over 1.1 perfect innings of relief Saturday in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's 5-4 loss to Lehigh Valley.

Castro enters the 2025 season at full health after he didn't pitch in 2024 while completing his recovery from June 2023 Tommy John surgery. The 26-year-old right-hander previously saw big-league action in the 2021 and 2022 seasons, making a combined 20 appearances between stops with the Giants and Cubs.