MLB Player News

The Astros hope McCullers (forearm/illness) will be ready to throw a bullpen session Tuesday or Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

McCullers had to be scratched from his last scheduled rehab appearance this past Friday due to a stomach bug. If the right-hander is able to get through a bullpen session in the coming days without issue, he'll resume his rehab assignment this weekend. McCullers had been tracking toward a season debut by late April, but that timeline could be pushed back a bit.

Scherzer (thumb) played catch in the outfield at Daikin Park prior to Monday's game versus the Astros, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker said afterward that Scherzer felt the session went "OK." The right-hander was throwing for the first time since receiving a second cortisone injection in his injured right thumb last week. Scherzer's timetable to rejoin the Blue Jays' rotation remains very much up in the air.

Kirby (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session at T-Mobile Park this week, Daniel Kremer of MLB.com reports.

Kirby has thrown several bullpen sessions at the Mariners' spring training complex in Arizona and is almost ready to face hitters for the first time since coming down with right shoulder inflammation in early March. Mariners general manager Justin Hollander indicated Sunday that Kirby could be ready to rejoin the rotation in "May or June," although any timetable at this juncture is approximate. Emerson Hancock is currently filling Kirby's spot in Seattle's rotation.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday that Stroman is still "feeling some things" in his injured left knee and is likely to require more than 15 days on the injured list, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Stroman began playing catch a few days ago, but he's still not 100 percent and it's not clear when he might be ready to throw off a mound again. The right-hander is eligible to return in late April, but it sounds like it will be at least early May and perhaps longer before he'll be ready to return.

The Blue Jays optioned Lucas to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

After not allowing a run in his first two starts of the season, Lucas was pummeled for 14 runs across 6.2 frames covering his last two outings, resulting in a trip back to the minors. Lucas' turn in the rotation comes up this weekend against the Yankees, and it's unclear how the Blue Jays plan to fill the slot.

Buehler (3-1) earned the win Monday against the White Sox, firing seven one-run innings while allowing four hits and three walks. He struck out nine.

Buehler bagged his second quality start of the season, throwing an even 100 pitches, from which he induced 11 whiffs. The only blemish on the right-hander's day came in the first inning when Edgar Quero cracked a run-scoring single. After allowing nine runs across 9.1 innings over his first two starts, Buehler has performed much better of late. He's tossed 18.1 innings over his last three outings, pitching to a 1.96 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 19:7 K:BB. Buehler is currently slated to make his next start against the Guardians in Cleveland this weekend.

Cannon (0-3) took the loss Monday, allowing four runs on six hits and four walks over six innings at Boston. He struck out four.

The 24-year-old fired 90 pitches, generating a paltry five whiffs, in this early Patriots' Day outing. Walks continue to be a problem for Cannon, as he's issued at least two free passes in each of his five starts and sports a 5.6 BB/9. Outside of his strikeout rate (8.1 K/9), the Chicago right-hander has begun his season on a sour note, pitching to a 4.81 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 24.1 innings. Despite the disappointing start, Cannon remains locked into a rotation spot and currently lines up to make his next turn against the Athletics on the road.

The Guardians selected Kent's contract from Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

Kent had allowed just two runs with a 10:4 K:BB over 7.2 frames in his first five relief appearances with Columbus this season. The 27-year-old was on the Guardians' 40-man roster previously, but if/when he makes an appearance, it will be his major-league debut.

Giolito (hamstring) struck out four and allowed three earned runs on six hits and no walks over five innings in his rehab start Sunday with Double-A Portland.

Giolito has made four rehab starts between stops with Portland and Triple-A Worcester, logging a collective 4.97 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 13:7 K:BB in 12.2 innings. Though his results on the farm have been unremarkable, Giolito has been able to steadily increase his workload, with his five innings and 65 pitches Sunday both representing new highs. Giolito is expected to require one more tune-up outing in the minors before returning from the 15-day injured list and potentially slotting into the Red Sox rotation as soon as April 30. Since signing with the Red Sox in December 2023, Giolito has yet to make his team debut after missing the entire 2024 season while recovering from an internal brace surgery on his right elbow and then tweaking his left hamstring during spring training.

Montero will start Monday's game against the Padres in Detroit, Jared Ramsey of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Though he was tagged for five earned runs over five innings while taking a loss in his 2025 MLB debut last Wednesday in Milwaukee, Montero will stick around for at least one more start while Detroit temporarily expands its rotation to six men during a stretch of 23 games in 24 days. Montero likely won't be in line for a long-term stay with Detroit, though a stronger showing against the Padres and in any future outings that follow could compel the coaching staff to find a more permanent spot for the right-hander.