MLB Player News

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Scherzer (back) checked out well after throwing a bullpen session Monday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

After developing back spasms, Scherzer was scratched ahead of his scheduled start last Wednesday and placed on the injured list, but the Blue Jays have expressed hope that the veteran righty would be ready to return in close to the minimum 15 days. While Scherzer's ability to get back on a mound without issue seemingly supports the Blue Jays' optimism, he'll still likely need to make it through a few more throwing sessions before Toronto pencils him back into the rotation. The 41-year-old has made just six starts for the big club this season after previously spending time on the shelf due to right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.

Barger (elbow) is targeting Thursday for the beginning of his rehab assignment, Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports.

Barger is expected to require about a week's worth of rehab games before being reinstated to the Blue Jays' active roster, setting him up to return in early July if all goes well. The 26-year-old has been shelved since mid-May with right elbow inflammation, and he's played only nine games for Toronto this season because of injuries.

Bailey is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the White Sox.

Bailey started all three games at catcher for the Guardians this past weekend in Houston, so he'll get a breather for the series opener versus the White Sox. Austin Hedges will be behind the dish.

The Astros recalled VanWey from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday.

VanWey has retired nine of 10 batters faced in the big leagues this season, striking out five over three scoreless innings. He'll handle a low-leverage role out of the bullpen while he's up with Houston.

The Astros placed Abreu on the restricted list Monday.

Manager Joe Espada said Monday that Abreu is dealing with a personal matter, per Mitch Bannon of The Athletic reports. It's unclear whether the reliever could rejoin the team before the end of its series in Toronto, or if it's likelier Abreu meets the Astros later this week in Detroit. Logan VanWey was promoted from Triple-A Sugar Land to replace Abreu on the active roster and in the bullpen.

Flaherty (ankle) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Erie on Tuesday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Flaherty landed on the 15-day injured list a little over a week ago with a left peroneal strain, but he's been cleared for games after throwing a successful bullpen session over the weekend. The right-hander could require just the one rehab outing before rejoining the Detroit rotation. Flaherty has collected a 5.35 ERA and 78:34 K:BB over 65.2 innings covering 15 starts this season.

Wells is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers.

Wells made his return from the injured list Sunday in the Yankees' 4-1 loss to the Reds, starting behind the dish while going 0-for-2 with a strikeout. Though Wells stands to see the majority of the starts at catcher now that he's recovered from a bout with cervical headaches, the Yankees could still look to spare him from matchups versus left-handed pitching. Ali Sanchez will step in for Wells behind the plate Monday while the Tigers send southpaw Framber Valdez to the bump.

The Blue Jays selected Urias' contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday.

Urias was acquired via trade from the Diamondbacks over the weekend after putting up a .939 OPS in 27 games at Triple-A Reno. The 29-year-old will operate as a reserve infielder for the Blue Jays.

Jones is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers.

The left-handed-hitting Jones will retreat to the bench for the second time in three games while the Yankees face off against another left-handed starter (Framber Valdez). The Yankees will go with a starting outfield of Jose Caballero, Cody Bellinger and Jasson Dominguez from left to right in the series opener.

McMahon is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Tigers.

The left-handed-hitting McMahon will head to the bench for the second time in three games while the Yankees face off against another lefty (Framber Valdez) in the series opener. Platoon mate Amed Rosario will replace McMahon at third base and will bat leadoff.