MLB Player News

Woods Richardson is expected to be named the starting pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Rangers, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

It was reported Sunday that the club was considering calling Woods Richardson up to join the rotation at some point during the week after Zebby Matthews (shoulder) and Pablo Lopez (shoulder) both landed on the injured list, and the Twins' pitching plans are now coming into focus. Woods Richardson is fresh off a shaky outing against Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, surrendering five runs over five innings, but he'll need to turn the page quickly with a promotion on the horizon.

Selvidge (biceps) allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three Saturday against Double-A Binghamton.

Selvidge had been working his way through a rehab assignment since May 19 before being returned to Double-A Somerset ahead of Saturday's outing. He struggled at times to find his command but was able to work out of danger for the most part. Selvidge spent the majority of his time at Double-A a season ago, posting a 4.25 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with an 83:40 K:BB across 84.2 innings.

Pecko (undisclosed) surrendered one run on three hits while striking out five across three innings Saturday against Double-A Arkansas.

Pecko was shelved for the first few months of the 2025 campaign due to an unspecified injury, but he's now made two straight starts at Double-A. He's had his swing-and-miss stuff working thus far, retiring eight batters via the strikeout over his first five innings of work at Double-A Corpus Christi.

Springs is expected to serve as the Athletics' primary pitcher in Monday's contest versus the Angels, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Grant Holman will be the team's opener, but Springs is in line to handle the bulk of the innings. It's the second straight bulk relief appearance for Springs, who allowed four runs (three earned) while striking out seven across 6.2 frames last week against the Twins.

Houck (elbow) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is slated to throw another one later this week, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Houck has taken a step forward in his rehab after previously being limited to flat-ground work. The right-hander is working his way back from a right flexor pronator strain and will undoubtedly require a rehab assignment before rejoining the Red Sox.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Monday that Francis is slated for now to make his next scheduled start this weekend in Philadelphia, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Schneider didn't seem to rule out changing his mind, but for now it appears Francis will take his next turn in the rotation. The right-hander is on thin ice after posting a 6.12 ERA in his first 13 starts, which includes yielding a major-league leading 19 home runs.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Monday that Turnbull will be used in a multi-inning role and is likely to pitch Wednesday in St. Louis, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Whether Turnbull starts the game or comes out of the bullpen hasn't been determined, as lefty Eric Lauer is also expected to pitch that day in what could be something of a piggyback situation. Turnbull was signed to a minor-league contract a little over a month ago and officially added to the big-league roster Sunday. He posted a 7.13 ERA and 14:9 K:BB over 17.2 innings in the minors before having his contract selected.

Scherzer (thumb) is tentatively scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Scherzer had a successful 50-pitch simulated game Sunday and will throw a bullpen session Tuesday or Wednesday. Assuming he comes out of that without a setback, he'll be cleared for a formal rehab start Friday. Scherzer is slated for 60-to-65 pitches in the outing with Buffalo and would require at least one additional rehab start after that before returning from the 60-day injured list. The 40-year-old has been out since late March with right thumb inflammation.

The Blue Jays have promoted Yesavage from High-A Vancouver to Double-A New Hampshire, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Yesavage will make his Double-A debut later this week after collecting a dominant 2.13 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 88:19 K:BB over 50.2 innings covering 11 starts between Single-A Dunedin and Vancouver. The 21-year-old was the 20th overall pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft.

Bradford (elbow) threw breaking balls during a May 31 bullpen session and is hopeful to resume facing hitters this week during the Rangers' road series in Minnesota, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Bradford has thrown multiple bullpen sessions over the past month and has gradually increased the volume and intensity of those workouts while also incorporating more breaking pitches. The southpaw has been on the shelf all season with a left elbow sprain, but he noted after his May 31 side session that his "UCL is repaired back to normal." Assuming the Rangers plan to have Bradford get stretched back out as a starter whenever he's cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment, he may not be ready to return from the injured list until shortly before or after the All-Star break.