MLB Player News

Scherzer (thumb) threw 50 pitches over three innings in a simulated game with Single-A Dunedin on Sunday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Scherzer has been working his way back from a thumb injury that has limited him to just one start this season, which came all the way back on March 29. The right-hander is expected to throw an additional side session in the coming days at the organization's complex in Florida. Manager John Schneider said that Scherzer will be evaluated following the side session before the Blue Jays determine his next steps.

Garcia earned the save in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Nationals, allowing one hit while striking out two over 1.1 innings.

Garcia set down James Wood to close out the eighth inning before coming back out for the ninth, working around Nathaniel Lowe's one-out double by striking out the final two batters to lock down his fourth save this year. It was a strong effort from Garcia, after he allowed three runs on four hits in a blown save against the Rays in his last appearance. Overall, Garcia sports a 3.12 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP and 25:9 K:BB across 26 innings this season.

Carter went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and a double in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Nationals.

Carter opened the scoring in the second inning with his first of three hits on the day, a 382-foot blast off Trevor Williams to put the Rangers up 2-0. It was an encouraging showing from the 22-year-old Carter, who went just 1-for-9 in his first four games since returning from the IL. Overall, Carter's slashing .217/.280/.370 with two homers, five RBI, six runs scored and three stolen bases across 50 plate appearances this year.

Schultz was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo after Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Twins.

Schultz tossed a scoreless frame in the bottom of the eighth inning Sunday, allowing two hits while striking out the side. The right-hander posted a 3.06 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 24 strikeouts over 17.2 innings in eight appearances, including two starts, with Toronto after being called up May 24. Spencer Turnbull was called up from Buffalo in a corresponding move, but Schultz will likely return to the major-league roster in the not-too-distant future.

The Blue Jays recalled Turnbull from Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday.

Turnbull will join the major-league roster after his 35-day window to ramp up in the Toronto's minor-league system ended Sunday. The right-hander made three appearances in the rookie-level Florida Complex League and two appearances with Triple-A Buffalo after signing with the Blue Jays in early May. Over his two outings at Triple-A, Turnbull covered 6.1 innings, allowing seven runs on nine hits and five walks while striking out four batters. Toronto hasn't provided word on what Turnbull's role will look like with the big club, but he could end up displacing Eric Lauer as the fifth member of the rotation until Max Scherzer (thumb) returns from the injured list.

Francis (2-8) took the loss against the Twins on Sunday, allowing four runs on five hits and five walks while striking out two across 3.1 innings.

It was another short outing for Francis, who put the Blue Jays behind for good in the fourth inning when he gave up back-to-back solo home runs to Brooks Lee and Christian Vazquez. Francis started the season nicely, but he has given up 10 earned runs over his last five innings, which has inflated his numbers to a 6.12 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 60.1 innings. He'll look to bounce back in his next start, tentatively slated for next weekend on the road against the Phillies.

Duran earned the save in Friday's 6-3 win over the Blue Jays after allowing one hit and no walks while striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

Duran opened the ninth strongly by striking out George Springer, and he was able to work past a Nathan Lukes single to retire the last two batters. It was Duran's 10th save of the season and first since May 27, and he sports a 1.19 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 36:11 K:BB across 30.1 innings.

Lee went 2-for-3 with a walk and a solo home run in Sunday's 6-3 win over Toronto.

Lee tied things up at 3-3 in the fourth inning when he took Bowden Francis deep to right field for a solo home run. During his 10-game hit streak, Lee has slashed .317/.349/.415 with one steal and six RBI across 43 plate appearances. His strong play at the plate should keep Lee in the Twins' starting lineup even with multiple players returning from the injured list.

Vazquez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Sunday's 6-3 win over Toronto.

Vazquez put Minnesota on the board with a fielder's choice RBI in the second, and he gave the Twins the lead in the fourth with a solo homer off Bowden Francis. It was Vazquez's second home run of the season, and the veteran is slashing .210/.279/.330 with six doubles and nine RBI across 111 plate appearances while serving as the backup catcher to Ryan Jeffers.

Ryan (7-2) earned the win against the Blue Jays on Sunday, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out six across five innings.

Ryan gave up three runs over the first three innings, though one of those was unearned due to a Carlos Correa throwing error. Ryan settled in to retire the last eight batters he faced, and he received enough run support from the Twins' hitters to come away with the win. Among qualified American League starters, Ryan ranks sixth in WHIP (0.93) and 11th in ERA (2.96) across 73 innings this season. He's lined up to face the Astros on the road next weekend.