MLB Player News

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.

The Athletics optioned Davidson to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Davidson went 3-for-20 with 12 strikeouts during his brief time with the big club. He's making room on the roster for the return of Nick Kurtz (groin) from the 10-day injured list.

The Athletics optioned Pereda to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Pereda is clearing out to make room for Austin Wynns, who was officially added to the active roster Monday. Willie MacIver will share catching duties with Wynns.

The Athletics activated Kurtz (hip) from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Kurtz has been sidelined since late May with a strained left hip flexor but is ready to roll after homering in his lone rehab game. The rookie first baseman has collected a .762 OPS with five long balls over 28 contests with the Athletics this season.

The White Sox are expected to call up Taylor from Double-A Birmingham prior to Tuesday's game in Houston, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Taylor has been dominant since being moved to the bullpen at Birmingham, tossing 9.1 scoreless innings with an 18:1 K:BB over his last nine appearances. It's not clear whether the White Sox have given up on trying to develop him as a starting pitcher, but Taylor will be broken into the big leagues as a reliever. The 23-year-old has an electric arm and could push for high-leverage appearances sooner rather than later.

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.

Rafaela will start in center field and bat eighth in Monday's game versus the Rays.

Rafaela was penciled into the right field spot in the first lineup the Red Sox released Monday, but top prospect Roman Anthony has since been added to the roster and will start in right. The domino effect of Anthony's arrival is Rafaela shifting back to his familiar center field spot and Kristian Campbell moving from center field to second base.

The Red Sox designated Noda for assignment Monday.

The transaction frees a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Roman Anthony. Noda was acquired from the Angels via trade in late May and has slashed .378/.519/.703 with three homers and a 12:12 K:BB in 13 games with Triple-A Worcester. There could be some interest in Noda on waivers.

The Red Sox placed Abreu on the 10-day injured list Monday with a strained left oblique.

Abreu evidently suffered the injury during Sunday's win over the Yankees. The severity of the strain hasn't been revealed, so while it's unclear how long Abreu might be sidelined, oblique strains for position players typically require more than 10 days of recovery time. Top prospect Roman Anthony has been summoned to take Abreu's roster spot and will take over as the team's primary right fielder.