MLB Player News

Ray (elbow) felt good after throwing 63 pitches during a simulated game Wednesday, Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star reports.

Pitching coach Pete Walker said over the weekend the left-hander is "really close" to returning from the injured list, so the simulated game may have been the final step before being activated. If that's the case, Ray likely won't be immediately ready for a full starter's workload given he hasn't cleared the 70-pitch mark in his rehab work.

Luzardo hurled 5.1 innings against the Dodgers on Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out six. He did not factor in the decision.

Luzardo deserves a fair amount of credit for limiting a potent Dodgers lineup to two runs over his 5.1 frames, but he threw an inefficient 104 pitches and yielded four free passes. Three of those walks came in the first inning, and Luzardo was able to somewhat settle down after giving up a run in that frame. Through two contests, the southpaw has racked up 14 strikeouts over 10.1 innings; however, he also given up 13 hits and seven earned runs. His next outing is scheduled for Tuesday at Arizona.

Bieber gave up two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out 12 across 6.1 innings Wednesday against the Royals. He didn't factor into the decision.

Bieber fanned 12 in his Opening Day start and repeated the feat Wednesday as he continues to dominate while posting back-to-back quality starts to begin the campaign. The 25-year-old was the unanimous winner of the American League Cy Young in 2020 and has started the 2021 season on a similar trajectory.

Eovaldi (1-1) earned the win Wednesday against the Rays, giving up one run on three hits and three walks while fanning seven across seven innings.

Eovaldi allowed just one run across 5.1 innings in his season debut last week; he delivered another strong performance and was able to go deep enough into the game to earn the win and quality start. Eovaldi has now allowed only one run in each of his first two starts of the campaign and will look to keep the run going in his next scheduled turn in the rotation, set for April 13 on the road against the Twins.

Maeda (1-0) earned the win Wednesday at Detroit after allowing two runs on seven hits with six strikeouts and one walk over six innings.

The right-hander threw 52 of 75 pitches for strikes as he enjoyed an efficient afternoon against the Tigers. Maeda delivered 88 pitches Opening Day, so the low workload Wednesday is likely just a precaution early in the season. The 31-year-old has given up four runs (three earned) on 13 hits with 11 strikeouts and three walks across 10.1 innings through his first two starts of the season, and he lines up to face Boston early next week.

Boyd (1-1) was charged with the loss Wednesday versus the Twins after allowing three runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts and zero walks over seven innings.

The left-hander pitched well throughout the afternoon, but a two-run double from Jorge Polanco during the sixth inning with the Tigers winning 2-1 proved to be the difference in the contest. Regardless, Boyd looked good for the second straight outing to begin the season after delivering 5.2 scoreless frames Opening Day, and he'll attempt to keep things rolling at Houston early next week.

Ryu (0-1) allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out seven over seven innings in a loss to the Rangers on Wednesday.

Ryu didn't pitch poorly, but the Blue Jays' offense couldn't get anything done against Rangers starter Kyle Gibson. The 34-year-old Ryu has pitched to a 2.92 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 12:1 K:BB across his first 12.1 innings of the season. The southpaw is therefore probably a bit unlucky not to have a win yet, but he'll look to change that Monday in a home start versus the Yankees.

Gibson (1-0) earned the win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday with six shutout innings. He allowed six hits and a walk while striking out eight.

Gibson had a nightmarish first start of the season in Kansas City, as he allowed five runs on four hits and three walks over one-third of an inning. The 33-year-old right-hander found the other extreme Wednesday, successfully quieting the Blue Jays' bats. There's still plenty of reasons to question Gibson's consistency -- he posted a 5.35 ERA in 2020. His next turn on the mound is expected to be Tuesday in Tampa Bay.

Paxton (forearm) was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Paxton was initially diagnosed with a left forearm strain after leaving Tuesday's loss to the White Sox, but he'll undergo an MRI on Wednesday to determine the extent of the issue. Ljay Newsome was recalled in a corresponding move, but the Mariners are expected to fill Paxton's spot in the six-man rotation with long reliever Nick Margevicius.

Ray (elbow) will throw a live batting practice session Wednesday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker said Sunday that Ray is "really close" to making his return. Manager Charlie Montoyo didn't have an exact pitch count for Wednesday's throwing session but said that Ray could throw around 70-80 pitches. If all goes well Wednesday, Ray could return to game action in the near future.