MLB Player News

Scherzer's (back) rehab assignment has been paused after he received three cortisone injections in his right thumb Monday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Scherzer was originally placed on the injured list last month due to back spasms, so he must have re-injured his thumb in his rehab start last Wednesday. The veteran right-hander has dealt with a laundry list of injuries this season, limiting him to six starts. Scherzer has posted a 10.23 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 14:11 K:BB across 22 innings when healthy enough to pitch.

Houck (elbow) has started throwing two bullpen sessions per week, MLB.com reports.

Houck has begun ramping up and hopes to pitch before the end of the regular season. It's unlikely the Red Sox will use him as a starter, so any rehab assignment would resemble that of a relief pitcher. The right-hander has been sidelined since last August, when he underwent hybrid reconstruction surgery on his right UCL.

Schmidt (elbow) will throw live batting practice Saturday, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Schmidt is nearing a return from the internal brace procedure he underwent last July, and this will be his first time facing live hitters. As long as he gets through a couple BP sessions, Schmidt should then head out on a rehab assignment, giving him a chance to return to the big-league pitching staff sometime next month.

Manager Aaron Boone said Friday that Fried (elbow) will make at least two rehab starts before a decision will be made on his activation from the 15-day injured list, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Fried's first rehab start is Friday, and he'll be limited to around 50 pitches. He'll then make another start next week before the Yankees determine if the left-hander is ready to return to the rotation. Fried hasn't pitched since May 13 due to a bone bruise in his left elbow. Prior to going down, Fried posted a 3.21 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 50:19 K:BB across 61.2 innings this season.

Sandoval will start Saturday's game against the Rays in Boston.

Sandoval will receive a second turn through the rotation after pitching well in his return from the 60-day injured list and in his Red Sox debut July 9, when he struck out five while allowing one earned run on five hits and one walk across 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus the White Sox. The veteran southpaw may need another strong showing against the Rays to ensure he sticks in the rotation on a longer-term basis, as the Red Sox may not have a spot available for him once both Ranger Suarez (groin) and Connelly Early (elbow) return from the injured list.

Oviedo (elbow) will throw a bullpen session next week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Oviedo has been shelved since April 3 due to a right flexor strain and remains on the 60-day injured list. He's likely still several weeks away from returning to the mound for Boston, although his rehab could be accelerated if he's ticketed for a bullpen role rather than the rotation.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Thursday that Early (elbow) started a throwing program earlier this week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

After a brief shutdown following his placement on the injured list July 1 due to left elbow inflammation, Early has begun ramping up. The left-hander will throw off flat ground out to 75 feet Friday before increasing his distance to 90 feet Saturday. Early will likely require a rehab assignment before he eventually makes his return from the 15-day IL.

Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said Friday that Suarez (groin) could be activated from the 15-day injured list when first eligible Tuesday to start against the Orioles that night, Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald reports.

Suarez was diagnosed with a left groin strain after exiting a July 5 start against the Angels, resulting him going on the IL and missing out on pitching in the All-Star Game. The southpaw's recovery from the injury seems to have gone smoothly, and barring any setbacks over the weekend, he'll be lined up to take the ball for Boston's sixth game out of the All-Star break. Suarez posted a superb 3.15 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 97:26 K:BB across 91.1 innings over his 17 starts in the first half.

Ryan is not listed among the Twins' probable pitchers for this weekend's series against the Cubs, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Ryan made his last start of the first half Saturday and then threw a scoreless frame during the All-Star Game. The Twins will give him a little extra rest before his first outing of the second half, which will likely come Monday in Cleveland. Ryan logged a 2.85 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 128:25 K:BB over 110.1 innings covering 20 first-half starts.

DeGrom (glute) appears tentatively lined up to start Sunday's game in Atlanta, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

DeGrom had to be scratched from his final scheduled start of the first half due to a mild left glute strain. He planned to play catch over the All-Star break before likely throwing a bullpen session this weekend. As long as he gets through that mound session without any hiccups, deGrom is likely to take the ball Sunday in the series finale. If deGrom needs a little more time, the Rangers could push him back to start during next week's home series versus the White Sox.