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.

Young (side) will start in center field and bat fifth in Monday's game against the Phillies.

Young will check back into the starting nine after a one-game absence due to right side discomfort, an injury he picked up after colliding with the outfield wall while making a catch Saturday. The 26-year-old has provided three stolen bases through 14 games this month, but he's offered little production in the other four major rotisserie categories (.213 average, one home run, six runs and three RBI).

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.

Reds manager Terry Francona confirmed that De La Cruz (hamstring) will be reinstated from the 10-day injured list prior to Tuesday's game against the Brewers, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

After playing three rehab games at Triple-A Louisville over the weekend while going 2-for-8 with a home run and a walk, De La Cruz will get a chance to rest in Monday's opener versus Milwaukee before checking back into the lineup for the second game of the series. Once activated, De La Cruz should settle back into an everyday role at shortstop, pushing Matt McLain back to second base in the process. De La Cruz will wind up missing just over three weeks due to a right hamstring strain, which he sustained while running the bases in a May 31 game against Atlanta.

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.

Realmuto is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Nationals.

The Phillies will hand Realmuto a breather in the series opener after he started behind the plate each of the previous three games. Rafael Marchan will handle catching duties for Philadelphia on Monday.

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.

The Dodgers optioned McDermott to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.

He's clearing out to make room on the active roster for the return of Brock Stewart (foot). McDermott has permitted two runs across 2.1 frames during his brief time in the majors this season.

The Dodgers activated Stewart (foot) from the 15-day injured list Monday.

Stewart's recovery from a bone spur in his left foot took longer than initially expected, but he's ready to roll now after making four rehab appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 34-year-old will likely pitch in the middle of games initially, but Stewart has the ability to eventually push for high-leverage outings if he can stay healthy.