The end of the 2025 season’s first weekend saw updates on several notable injured players. Max Scherzer is on the IL, as the Jays contemplate who will take his spot. Meanwhile, in Texas, Lance McCullers Jr. made his first in-season start in some time.
McCullers Jr. makes first rehab start
Lance McCullers Jr. made his first start of the 2025 campaign on March 30 with Sugar Land (AAA). The right-hander struck out three over two innings, all of which came in the first innings. He gave up two hits and walked one.
It was McCullers Jr.’s first meaningful start since November 1, 2022, which was Game 3 of the 2022 World Series. McCullers Jr. gave up seven runs (five earned runs) over 4.1 IP.
Since then, McCullers Jr. has been besieged by issues related to elbow surgery recovery. The good news, for now, is that McCullers Jr. is back and getting ready for game action. He was sitting as high as 95 MPH with his two-seamer, and heavily worked in his curveball (31%) and changeup (31%).
Scherzer on IL
The Blue Jays officially placed Max Scherzer on the IL on March 29. It’s not unsurprising, given Scherzer stated he would not pitch again until his thumb is fine.
Toronto promoted Easton Lucas and Mason Fluharty on the 30th, both left-handed relievers. The Jays also DFA’d Richard Lovelady, in addition to the Scherzer move.
No definitive decision on who will replace Scherzer in the rotation has been made. However, it’s likely, per the team, that either Lucas or Yariel Rodriguez would take his spot.
Lucas has primarily worked out of the bullpen in his professional career, while Rodriguez has starting experience at the MLB level. Rodriguez, though, had walk problems (10.9% BB%) in his first season in the Majors.
Other injury news
Rangers third baseman Josh Jung hit the IL with neck spasms. The 27-year-old went 3-7 (.429) over his first two games of the year but did not play on March 29 before heading to the injured list.
Orioles pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano left his start on March 30 after four innings due to hand cramps. Additionally, the O’s placed Albert Suarez on the IL with right shoulder inflammation and selected the contract of reliever Matt Bowman.
Marlins reliever Jesus Tinoco, who got the win on Opening Day, is on the IL with a low back strain.
Jose Ramirez is day-to-day with a wrist sprain.
Trea Turner (back) and JT Realmuto (foot) could play on March 31 against the Rockies.
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