MLB Player News

Scherzer (thumb) is hoping to begin playing catch early next week, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

The veteran right-hander received another cortisone injection in his troublesome thumb this week, and he'll join the Blue Jays on Monday to get checked on by the team's trainers. If he avoids any further setbacks, Scherzer could potentially come off the IL in mid-May, but first he'll need to show he can last more than 50 or so pitches in an outing without the digit becoming an issue again.

Weaver earned a save against Tampa Bay on Friday, striking out two batters in a perfect inning of work.

It was a bit curious that manager Aaron Boone went to Weaver and not Devin Williams with the Yankees holding a one-run lead in the ninth inning, though Williams had worked the day before and on three of the previous four days. Weaver proved more than capable of nailing things down, as he threw 12 of 15 pitches for strikes en route to a clean frame and his second save of the year. After some struggles early this season, Williams has rebounded to toss four consecutive scoreless outings, so he remains the Yankees' clear top closer. However, Weaver has shined so far this season with 10 scoreless frames and an 11:5 K:BB over eight outings, and he's clearly the top option for ninth-inning opportunities when Williams is unavailable.

Mountcastle isn't in the lineup for Saturday's game against Cincinnati.

Mountcastle will get a day to rest Saturday after going 4-for-24 with two RBI and five runs scored across his stretch of seven consecutive starts. Ryan O'Hearn will take his place at first base, moving Jordan Westburg into the DH spot while Ramon Urias starts at third.

The Red Sox optioned Dobbins to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

After surrendering two runs in six frames during his spot start Friday, Dobbins will now return to the minors to clear a spot on the active roster for Liam Hendriks (elbow), who was activated off the injured list Saturday. If Dobbins remains effective upon returning to Triple-A, he may have a chance at pitching for Boston again later this summer.

The Red Sox reinstated Hendriks (elbow) from the injured list Saturday.

For the first time since signing with the Red Sox before the 2024 season, Hendriks now owns a spot on the active roster. He figures to take on a high-leverage role out of the bullpen after throwing three shutout frames during his rehab assignment, though his chances of claiming the closer job are slim as long as Aroldis Chapman continues to pitch well. Hunter Dobbins was optioned to Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move.

The Orioles recalled Young from High-A Aberdeen to start Saturday's game against the Reds.

Young has made three starts this season for Triple-A Norfolk, turning in a 2.76 ERA and 0.93 WHIP alongside a 17:2 K:BB across 16.1 innings. His start Saturday will mark his major-league debut, and a strong outing could buy him another turn through the rotation before Kyle Gibson's projected return to the majors at the start of May. Scott Blewett was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Twins optioned Funderburk to Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Funderburk made two appearances for the Twins after joining the team last Saturday, allowing two earned runs on three hits and a walk while striking out five batters across four innings. He'll end up as the odd man out of a roster spot with Brock Stewart (hamstring) returning from the injured list but could return to the big leagues again if Minnesota's bullpen depth is tested later in the year.

The Twins reinstated Stewart (hamstring) from the injured list Saturday, Phil Miller of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Stewart has been on the injured list all season due to a left hamstring strain he suffered during spring training. He's made two rehab appearances in Single-A since then, pitching 1.2 innings and striking out every batter he faced. Now that he's fully healthy, the 33-year-old righty figures to immediately slide into a high-leverage role in Minnesota's bullpen. Kody Funderburk was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Nido went 3-for-4 with an RBI in Friday's 7-3 win over the Royals.

Making just his third appearance for Detroit, Nido posted his first multi-hit effort of the season. The veteran catcher is getting a chance to back up Dillon Dingler while Jake Rogers (oblique) is on the 10-day injured list. Once Rogers is able to return, Nido figures to return to Triple-A Toledo, and he has limited fantasy appeal in the meantime.

Greene went 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 7-3 win over the Royals.

On the heels of a five-game hitless streak, Greene has now gone 5-for-8 over his last two games. Overall, the young outfielder is batting .250 with a .709 OPS this season. He has the talent to push those numbers higher, as evidenced by the .262 average and .827 OPS he posted during the 2024 regular season. Greene also tallied a career-best 24 home runs and 74 RBI last year, giving him targets to shoot for in 2025.