MLB Player News

Cease (1-0) earned the win over the Angels on Monday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out 12 batters over five innings.

Cease needed 110 pitches to get through five frames, but that's largely because Angels hitters had a hard time putting his pitches in play. Of the 15 outs the right-hander recorded, 12 came via punchouts, and Cease racked up a whopping 18 total whiffs. The big performance helped Cease earn his first win as a Blue Jay, though he's pitched well enough this season to deserve more. Through five starts, Cease has posted a 2.10 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 25.2 frames. He also leads MLB with 44 punchouts and has yet to serve up a home run.

Lugo did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing a hit and four walks over seven scoreless innings against the Orioles. He struck out seven.

Lugo dazzled in Monday's start, allowing a double to Taylor Ward in the first inning and not surrendering another hit over the remainder of his outing. The crafty right-hander has continued to stack strong outings, posting a 1.15 ERA and 0.93 WHIP across 31.1 innings (five starts), though the results have yielded just a 1-1 record. The 36-year-old is projected to make his next start Sunday against the Angels.

Bradish did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing one run on 10 hits and three walks over 5.1 innings against Kansas City. He struck out seven.

Bradish allowed his share of baserunners but limited the damage, with his lone run allowed coming on a Jac Caglianone solo homer in the second inning. The right-hander had allowed multiple runs in each of his first four starts and entered Monday with a 5.49 ERA, but his effort in Kansas City lowered that mark to 3.96 across 25 innings. Bradish's next start is scheduled for Sunday against Boston.

Boyle (elbow) is playing catch from 90 feet, MLB.com reports.

The Rays are hopeful that the right-hander will be able to throw a bullpen session by the end of April. Boyle is on the 15-day injured list due to a right elbow strain, and he may need a minor-league rehab assignment before being cleared to rejoin Tampa Bay's rotation. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be available until sometime in May.

Cecconi (0-3) took the loss Monday against the Astros, allowing seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out two.

Most of the damage to Cecconi was done in the fourth inning, when Houston plated four runs on five hits (one home run). The right-hander was hit around for double-digit knocks for the fourth time in his career, and he also fanned a season-low two. Cecconi has a 6.20 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 20:12 K:BB over 24.2 innings, making him a difficult fantasy option to trust in his next scheduled outing against the Blue Jays.

Tiedemann (elbow) has been throwing bullpens at Toronto's Player Development Complex in Dunedin, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Tiedemann was shut down from throwing in February after experiencing left elbow soreness. However, he's since gained clearance to resume mound work in mid March and has lately progressed to side sessions. The Blue Jays haven't provided a clear timetable for his return, but he'll report to Triple-A Buffalo once healthy.

Bieber (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The Blue Jays have yet to provide a concrete timeline for Bieber's return, but the fact that he's tossing another bullpen session Tuesday is a sign that he's continuing to make his way through his throwing progression. Tuesday's side session will be his fourth since getting the green light to resume mound work. Bieber will presumably advance to facing hitters in the near future.

Berrios (elbow) will make his next rehab start Wednesday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Berrios is in line for his second rehab start after working 2.2 innings for Single-A Dunedin on Thursday. He fired 47 pitches during Thursday's appearance, so it's fair to expect him to stretch out a bit more during Wednesday's outing. It remains to be seen whether Berrios will need an additional rehab start after Wednesday before being activated from the 15-day injured list.

The Red Sox are expected to place Gray (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Gray was pulled from Monday's start against the Tigers in the third inning due to a right hamstring injury. He underwent imaging following his exit, and the injury appears severe enough for him to warrant a stint on the IL. Per Cotillo, the Red Sox are expected to recall Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester ahead of Tuesday's game against the Yankees. However, Payton Tolle could be called up to the majors and replace Gray in Boston's rotation for as long as the latter is sidelined.

Rodriguez (shoulder) threw a live batting practice session Monday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

It's the first time Rodriguez has faced hitters since he landed on the 15-day injured list prior to Opening Day due to right shoulder inflammation. As long as Rodriguez bounces back well from Monday's session, he could be cleared for a rehab assignment before long. The right-hander would need multiple rehab starts before he's ready to join the Angels' rotation.