News and Notes: Scherzer to throw live BP, Swanson cleared to resume rehab assignment, Bloss lands on IL with elbow injury and more

There was quite a news dump for the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, particularly on the pitching front.

Prior to first pitch, manager John Schneider provided injury updates on several pitchers, including Max Scherzer, Erik Swanson, Nick Sandlin, Jake Bloss, Ryan Burr and Adam Macko. The news was relayed by reporters in Anaheim, including The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon.

Max Scherzer to Throw Live BP

Scherzer, transferred to the 60-day IL on Monday, is scheduled to throw live batting practice to Blue Jays hitters on Wednesday in his progression from a right thumb injury. The 40-year-old has thrown multiple bullpen sessions since receiving a second cortisone injection in mid-April.

As Scherzer said Tuesday at Angel Stadium, the telling sign will be how his thumb responds after facing live hitters for the first time since his lone start with Toronto on Mar. 29.

Positive Returns From Erik Swanson’s Second Opinion, Returning to Game Action Later This Week

The Blue Jays have given Swanson the green light to resume his rehab assignment after his second opinion returned without revealing any structural damage. He was originally supposed to pitch for single-A Dunedin on Apr. 29 but was a late scratch after experiencing soreness in his right elbow while warming up.

The 31-year-old — currently on the 60-day IL with right median nerve entrapment — is headed to the Florida Complex League, where he’s slated to pitch in a game later this week. The team hasn’t decided when that’ll be, though.

Swanson missed all of spring training due to right forearm/elbow discomfort.

Nick Sandlin Making Progress

Sandlin continues to work his way back from a right lat strain that landed him on the 15-day IL last month, and he’s progressed up to playing catch from 60 feet, according to Schneider.

It remains unclear when the 28-year-old, who owns a 2.25 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 10 relief appearances this season, could begin a rehab assignment.

Jake Bloss Lands on Minor-League IL With Elbow Injury, Club Still Gathering Information

On a more troubling note, the Blue Jays seem to have lost another young starting pitcher to an elbow injury, as Bloss was placed on the seven-day IL for minor leaguers on Tuesday.

Bloss departed last Saturday’s triple-A start due to injury after completing 3.1 innings against the Iowa Cubs. He recently travelled to Toronto to undergo testing on his right elbow, which the organization continues to evaluate as they attempt to determine the severity of his ailment.

In six starts with Buffalo, the 23-year-old has pitched to a 6.46 ERA and 4.77 FIP across 23.2 innings, issuing 24 strikeouts and 13 walks. He had strung together a pair of encouraging outings leading into his most recent start, allowing two runs (both unearned) and just one walk while punching out 12 over nine combined innings.

Spencer Turnbull Building Up in Florida

After agreeing to a one-year contract, which the franchise officially announced Monday, Turnbull is building up as a starter in Florida at the player development complex, per Schneider. The team has 35 days to either promote him to the majors or allow him to return to free agency via his opt-out clause.

Turnbull has only faced college-level hitters after remaining unsigned last off-season and throughout spring training, meaning he’ll likely require a handful of minor-league starts before becoming a candidate for the Blue Jays’ fifth starter’s job.

Ryan Burr, Adam Macko Begin FCL Rehab Assignments

Burr (right shoulder inflammation) started Tuesday’s game as an opener, retiring all three batters he faced in the first inning — two via strikeout.

Macko (torn meniscus in left knee) followed Burr out of the bullpen, tossing 3.1 innings of two-run ball, surrendering three hits and a pair of walks while recording six strikeouts.

Both hurlers will likely advance to single-A Dunedin before continuing their rehab assignments with triple-A Buffalo.