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  • Max Scherzer expected to join Rangers’ rotation
    Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters on Sunday that as long as Max Scherzer bounces back alright following his minor league rehab start on Saturday, that he’ll join the Rangers’ rotation and make his 2024 regular season debut during the upcoming week.

    Advice: Scherzer threw 79 pitches (55 strikes) over 4 2/3 innings in his final minor league tune-up at Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday — giving up three runs on four hits and a pair of walks while punching out eight batters. He should slot into the Rangers’ rotation at some point during their weekend series against the Royals. Rotoworld Today, 2:49 pm
     
  • Fans two in defeat
    Luzardo (3-6) took the loss Sunday against Washington, allowing two earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out two in five innings pitched.

    Advice: The two runs charged to Luzardo were both solo home runs -- a first-inning shot by Lane Thomas followed by a fifth-inning blast courtesy of Jacob Young. While he only yielded two earned runs, Luzardo allowed baserunners in all five innings and mustered just two strikeouts. The hard-throwing southpaw has seen a steep drop-off in his strikeout rate compared to last year, plummeting from 10.48 K/9 to 7.83 K/9 this season. Overall, Luzardo has compiled a disappointing 5.00 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP and a 58:22 K:BB across 66.2 innings. He will look to bounce back in his next start, currently scheduled for next weekend versus Seattle. Rotowire.com Today, 1:48 pm
     
  • Zach Eflin strikes out seven in no-decision
    Zach Eflin allowed three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings on Sunday against the Braves. He allowed seven hits while walking one and striking out seven.

    Advice: Eflin continues to flash the brilliance he showed last season while faltering in key moments. He cruised through five innings after a lead-off home run by Jarred Kelenic but unraveled with two outs in the sixth. It’s frustrating to see him fall one out shy of the quality start while the bullpen blew his win despite objectively pitching well against Atlanta. His ERA sits at 4.12 on the season. Rotoworld Today, 1:25 pm
     
  • Luzardo allows two runs in loss Sunday
    Jesus Luzardo allowed two runs in five innings and took the loss against the Nationals on Sunday



    Advice: Luzardo gave up five hits, walked three and struck out two. He had allowed just two home runs in his previous seven starts combined, but two of the five hits he gave up on Sunday were home runs. Luzardo has now allowed nine home runs on the season (1.22 HR/9). He has a 5.00 ERA on the season, but his xFIP is significantly lower at 4.09. Luzardo’s been a little unlucky with a 66 percent left on base percentage, though his 21 percent strikeout percentage is down from 28 percent last year. The 26-year-old left-hander is set to face the Mariners at home next week.

    Rotoworld Today, 1:02 pm
     
  • Joe Musgrove (elbow) could resume throwing soon
    Padres’ manager Mike Shildt said Friday that Joe Musgrove (elbow) could resume throwing soon.

    Advice: The 31-year-old hurler is dealing with elbow inflammation and soreness in his right triceps — and was given a cortisone shot and PRP injection after an MRI revealed that a bone spur was causing his issues. Shildt didn’t give any specifics regarding a specific timeline for Musgrove’s return, but if he starts throwing soon that’s at least an encouraging sign. He shouldn’t be expected back until after the All-Star break. Rotoworld Yesterday, 5:25 pm
     
  • Could resume throwing soon
    Padres manager Mike Shildt said Friday that Musgrove (elbow) is getting closer to picking up a ball and starting a throwing program, per MLB.com.

    Advice: Musgrove was diagnosed with a bone spur in his right elbow in early June and consequently received PRP and cortisone injections. While Shildt said Friday that the veteran pitcher could resume throwing soon, he didn't give specifics on a timeline. Given that Musgrove dealt with a similar injury in May, the Padres are unlikely to rush him back, and he's probably at least a month away from a return. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:16 pm
     
  • Making last rehab start
    Scherzer (back/arm) is expected to throw 70-75 pitches in a rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday, which will be his final rehab start barring a setback, Josh Kirshenbaum of MLB.com reports.

    Advice: Saturday's start will be Scherzer's second rehab appearance, following up four scoreless innings Sunday. If all goes well, Scherzer will be ready to return to the active roster and make his 2024 debut after undergoing an offseason back surgery and dealing with thumb and forearm issues throughout his recovery. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 2:51 pm
     
  • Another rehab start set
    Scherzer (back) will make another rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday against Tacoma.

    Advice: Scherzer will be back on the mound for the second start of his rehab assignment after tossing four scoreless innings while striking out five Sunday against Triple-A Oklahoma City. The right-hander has yet to make his season debut as he's been recovering from offseason back surgery and then a subsequent thumb injury he suffered in April. If all goes well against Tacoma, it's possible that it will be Scherzer's final rehab outing. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 1:31 pm
     
  • Devin Williams (back) nearing mound work
    Brewers’ manager Pat Murphy told reporters on Saturday that Devin Williams (back) remains on track to return after the All-Star break.

    Advice: Murphy also noted that the 29-year-old hurler is expected to get on a mound soon as he continues his recovery from a pair of stress fractures in his back. While Trevor Megill has been outstanding in his stead, Williams is one of the premiere closers in all of baseball and should jump right back into the Brewers’ ninth inning role as soon as he’s healthy enough to do so. Rotoworld Yesterday, 1:02 pm
    Devin WilliamsMIL - RP
    W, 5-4 vs CIN
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