MLB Player News

The Blue Jays are expected to recall Stewart from Triple-A Buffalo and use him as their primary pitcher for Saturday's game against the Mariners.

Wilmer Font will get the start but should be pulled after around two innings before turning the game over to Stewart, who has previously made two appearances with the Blue Jays as a primary pitcher. He recorded a win in both of those outings, giving up three runs -- all on solo home runs -- on seven hits and two walks across 9.1 innings. The Blue Jays don't have any healthy starters on the active roster beyond Trent Thornton and Jacob Waguespack, so expect Stewart to stick in the rotation moving forward, barring a complete blowup Saturday.

VerHagen (4-2) picked up the win in Friday's 9-6 victory over the Twins, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk over six innings while striking out 11.

He did get taken deep by Miguel Sano and Jake Cave, but this was still the best outing of VerHagen's career -- not only did he more than double his prior career high in strikeouts, it was his first ever quality start. The right-hander has a 6.31 ERA and 34:17 K:BB through 35.2 innings with the Tigers this year, but this performance almost certainly will earn him another turn in the rotation.

Thornton allowed four runs (three earned) on nine hits and a walk over four-plus innings Friday, striking out four and taking a no-decision in a 7-4 loss to the Mariners.

The right-hander was twice spotted leads, but he couldn't make either of them hold up. He was pulled in the fifth inning in favor of reliever Buddy Boshers after allowing a J.P. Crawford solo home run and a single to Austin Nola. Thornton has a 5.34 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 117 strikeouts over 124.2 innings this season. The 25-year-old is expected to make his next start versus the Braves on Wednesday.

Richards (4-12) tossed six shutout innings while allowing two hits and one walk with five strikeouts Friday, earning a victory over the Orioles.

The 26-year-old is off to a strong start with his new team. In two starts with the Rays since joining the team from the Marlins, Richards has allowed two runs in 9.1 innings. Dating back to July 26, he's given up just two runs in his last 12.1 frames. Overall, Richards is 4-12 with a 4.30 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 114 strikeouts in 121.1 innings this season.

Hand picked up the save Friday against the Royals after allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

Hand surrendered a leadoff single to begin the ninth, but he induced a double play and then retired the final batter of the contest on a groundout. After blowing a save Wednesday against the Mets, he was able to bounce back for his 30th save of the 2019 campaign. Hand sports a 3.29 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with 76 strikeouts across 52 innings this year.

Junis (8-12) took the loss after surrendering four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over four innings Friday night against the Indians.

Junis yielded four runs in the second inning, and it was all the offense Cleveland would need to emerge with the victory. The 26-year-old right-hander also failed to work deep into the ballgame, as he was lifted after tossing 94 pitches through his four frames. He now owns a 4.89 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with a 146:51 K:BB over 154.2 innings this season.

Blach (0-2) took the loss after surrendering seven runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out two over four innings Friday against the Rays. He was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after the game, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Blach allowed all seven of his runs in the second inning, resulting in a 7-1 loss for his club. The southpaw has struggled in the big leagues this season, posting a 12.81 ERA and 2.39 WHIP with 15 strikeouts over 19.2 innings. The Orioles won't need a fifth starter until rosters expand in September, so Blach could return to that role next month.

Armstrong (forearm) is expected to return from the injured list after the 10-day minimum, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Armstrong landed on the shelf earlier in the day due to a right forearm strain, though it shouldn't cost him more than the minimum. He'll be eligible to return beginning Sept. 1.

Alvarado will serve as the opener for Saturday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The left-hander is in line to toss the first inning or so before making way for a bulk reliever, who has yet to be named. Alvarado hasn't allowed a run over his last four outings (three innings).

Johnson will likely start Sunday's game against the Padres, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

David Price (wrist) was a candidate to return from the injured list to start Sunday, though the Red Sox have since announced that he'll throw a sim game Tuesday, opening the door for Johnson. He last took the mound Tuesday against the Phillies, surrendering three runs on six hits and two walks while fanning four over 3.2 innings.