MLB Player News

The Blue Jays placed Scherzer on the 15-day injured list Monday due to right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.

Scherzer's move to the IL comes three days after he was lit up for seven runs in just 2.1 innings in a loss to the Guardians, which brought his ERA up to 9.64 over five starts on the season. Toronto had been listing Scherzer as its starter for Wednesday's game in Boston, but with the team opting to shelve the veteran rigth-hander, a spot in the rotation could be reopened for lefty Eric Lauer, who was recently moved to the bullpen. Scherzer will be eligible for activation May 10, but the Blue Jays haven't indicated whether he'll be ready to return at this time. For his part, Scherzer doesn't believe he's in line for a long-term absence, as he told Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca that he expects to take the next 5-to-7 days to rest up and heal before resuming a regular throwing program.

Valera is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.

With the Guardians facing a left-handed starter (Steven Matz) for the second day in a row, the left-handed-hitting Valera will once again hit the bench. Valera had been included in the lineup in each of the Guardians' prior five games, going 4-for-20 with a double, a walk, four RBI and a run over that stretch.

Alexander went one inning allowing no runs on two hits in a 2-1 loss to the Athletics on Sunday.

Once again Alexander pitched a scoreless frame, marking the 12th appearance he has done so to date. The 31-year-old has allowed just one earned run, in tune to his 0.63 ERA, through his first 14.1 innings pitched. The left-hander has been the most efficient and utilized asset out of the Rangers bullpen through 28 games.

Brito is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.

After making six consecutive starts following his call-up from Triple-A Columbus on April 7, Brito has now been included in the lineup in eight of the Guardians' ensuing 13 contests. Brito -- who has mustered a lowly .505 OPS over his first 56 plate appearances in the big leagues -- looks like he may have to settle for a part-time role in the middle infield even while the Guardians remain without Gabriel Arias (hamstring).

Hoskins will start at first base and bat cleanup in Monday's game against the Rays.

Hoskins will remain in the lineup for a fourth straight game after getting on base in five of his 12 plate appearances over the previous three contests. The 33-year-old should continue seeing regular starts versus left-handed pitching at the expense of Kyle Manzardo, but Hoskins will likely remain limited to more of a part-time role against righties.

Manzardo is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.

Manzardo will take a seat for the third straight game, with two of his absences coming against left-handed starters and the other against a right-hander. Rhys Hoskins will draw another start at first base in place of Manzardo, who is slashing .224/.308/.310 with one home run, five RBI and two runs in April.

Naylor is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.

The left-handed-hitting Naylor will hit the bench for a second straight game while the Guardians face off against another southpaw (Steven Matz) in the series opener with Tampa Bay. Austin Hedges will handle catching duties Monday.

Garver went 0-for-1 in his lone plate appearance Sunday in the 3-2 win against the Cardinals.

Garver came in as a pinch-hitter in the ninth and struck out right after his teammate Rob Refsnyder hit the go-ahead home run. The 2019 Silver Slugger is operating as the primary backup catcher to Cal Raleigh, and has gotten most of his starts against left-handed pitching. The 35-year-old had a rough last two seasons for the Mariners but won the backup catcher job out of spring training, but will not see a ton of playing time due to Raleigh's superior defense behind the plate.

Zeferjahn went 1.2 innings allowing no runs and zero hits while striking out one batter in an 11-9 loss in extra innings to Kansas City on Sunday.

Zeferjahn entered the game in the seventh inning and picked up his third hold of the season. The right-hander was able to maintain the 7-5 lead before Drew Pomeranz blew the game in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending the game into extra innings. The 28-year-old had one of his better outings after previously allowing at least one earned run in five of his first nine appearances this campaign.

Yarbrough pitched a perfect inning while striking out two batters in a 7-4 loss to Houston on Sunday.

Yarbrough entered the game in the eighth inning, striking out both Christian Walker and Cam Smith en route to a scoreless inning. Prior to the series against Houston, the 34-year-old had struggled in his previous two appearances, allowing a combined five earned runs over 3.1 innings pitched. The left-hander has not seen much volume, appearing in only seven games through the first month of the season for New York.