Rodríguez opened the season in the bullpen and allowed three runs in one inning on Opening Day. The Blue Jays would likely put him in the rotation to replace Scherzer rather than call up Bloss, who struggled badly in spring training (eight runs and three home runs in eight innings). Rodríguez had a 4.47 ERA in 21 starts last season.

Already dealing with a thumb injury that he said could “blow up fast” and “lead to a lot of other things,” the 40-year-old was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday with right thumb inflammation after he left his debut start with the Blue Jays on Saturday with right lat soreness.

The Toronto Blue Jays are placing star pitcher Max Scherzer on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right thumb. "Hopefully this kind of resets him and knocks it out," manager John Schneider told reporters regarding Scherzer's persistent thumb issues. "We obviously need him. Elite pitcher, and we want him to feel his best."