MLB Player News

The Blue Jays could start Lucas on Wednesday versus the Nationals, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Kevin Gausman is currently penciled in for Wednesday, but they could push him back to Friday if Lucas isn't needed in relief prior to Wednesday. The Blue Jays are in need of a fill-in starter for Max Scherzer (thumb), and it seems they're leaning toward Lucas over Yariel Rodriguez.

McGowan will miss the remainder of the season following Tommy John surgery, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports.

It's the second Tommy John operation in McGowan's career, which means his absence will probably extend well beyond a year. Despite being used mostly as a starting pitcher, McGowan has not thrown more than 40.1 innings in a season since being taken in the seventh round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft.

Burr (shoulder) is throwing on flat ground but is not ready to throw off a mound yet, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Burr missed all of spring training and landed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. While it's certainly a good sign he's able to play catch, the reliever does not appear to be close to returning.

Nardi (back) began a throwing program Monday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

He'll likely gradually increase his throwing distance off flat ground over the next week or two before moving on to mound work. Nardi was shut down in early March due to lower back inflammation and was placed on the 60-day injured list, so he won't be eligible to make his 2025 debut with the Marlins until at least late May.

The Marlins announced Monday that Cronin (hip) has resumed throwing, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Cronin sustained a left hip strain late in spring training, resulting in him opening the season on the injured list. While the fact that he's no longer shut down from activity is encouraging, he'll likely need at least a few more weeks to complete his throwing progression, which will eventually include some minor-league rehab appearances.

Atlanta transferred Jimenez (knee) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.

Jimenez is expected to be sidelined until the second half of the season while he remains on the mend from November surgery on his left knee, so his move to the 60-day IL won't affect his timeline for a return. The transaction will free up a spot on the 40-man roster for outfielder Stuart Fairchild, whom Atlanta acquired from Cincinnati on Monday.

The Angels designated Petersen for assignment Monday.

The transaction frees up a 40-man roster spot for Jake Eder, who was acquired via trade Monday. Petersen, 30, has made 16 relief appearances at the major-league level, collecting a 5.95 ERA and 14:11 K:BB over 19.2 innings.

Atlanta selected Chavez's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Chavez has seen action with nine different teams over parts of 17 seasons in the big leagues, but Atlanta has been a familiar stop for the 41-year-old. Currently in the midst of his fourth stint in the Atlanta organization, Chavez didn't break camp with the big club but didn't have to wait long for an opening in the bullpen to emerge after right-hander Hector Neris was designated for assignment Monday. Chavez is likely to work in middle relief after he turned in a 3.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 55:19 K:BB across 63.1 innings with Atlanta in 2024.

Atlanta designated Neris for assignment Monday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Neris had a disastrous first series of the season in San Diego, giving up five runs over two appearances while recording just three outs. The 35-year-old should get an opportunity in another organization, but he might have to go to the minor leagues first to get straightened out.

Little worked a perfect seventh inning Sunday to record his first hold of the season in a win over the Orioles.

The 28-year-old left Friday's appearance with cramping in his left lat, but Little looked just fine a couple days later. He's been deployed as the top left-hander in the Blue Jays bullpen in the early going, a role which could lead to a significant holds total after he picked up eight over 49 appearances in 2024.