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.

The move comes one day after the three-time Cy Young Award winner left his debut start with Toronto after three innings because of right lat soreness.

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.