MLB Player News

White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said that Kelly (biceps) could soon face hitters at extended spring training before heading out on a minor-league rehab assignment before the end of April, Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Kelly hasn't experienced any setbacks from the strained right biceps he sustained while pitching with the Dodgers in the NLCS last year, but the slow progression in his recovery over the offseason resulted in him being placed on the White Sox's 10-day injured list to begin the season. Since joining Chicago in spring training, Kelly has gradually been advancing through his throwing program, and he appears close to reaching the final phase of his rehab. If he continues to avoid setbacks, Kelly looks like he could be ready to return from the IL by early May, if not the final week of April.

Jimenez fired 1.1 scoreless innings in a loss to the Rays on Tuesday, allowing a hit and recording two strikeouts.

The strong showing follows a scoreless two-thirds of an inning against the Phillies in Jimenez's season debut on Saturday. The right-hander earned his way onto the big-league roster after a strong spring, and he's offered encouraging results over his first pair of appearances.

Bautista (0-1) took the loss Tuesday versus the Brewers, allowing a run on two hits with two strikeouts in two-thirds of an inning.

Bautista pitched 1.1 scoreless innings Sunday versus the Rays in his major-league debut, but he couldn't replicate the effort Tuesday. He surrendered a Willy Adames double in the seventh inning, and Cionel Perez allowed the inherited runner to score on Andrew McCutchen's single. Bautista is expected to begin in a low-leverage role out of the bullpen, though he has limited experience as a closer in the minors -- he racked up 11 saves in 40 appearances across three levels last year.

Patino (oblique) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Patino started Monday's game against the Athletics but was removed with an oblique strain after throwing just 13 pitches. The right-hander is in line for a significant absence and won't be eligible to return until at least mid-June. Josh Fleming will take Patino's place in the rotation, while Tommy Romero is also a candidate to make additional starts for the Rays' short-handed pitching staff.

Pagan (0-1) was tagged with the loss Tuesday against the Dodgers after allowing one run on one hit and a walk across one inning while striking out one.

Pagan debuted with a scoreless inning against the Mariners on April 10, but he couldn't repeat that success and was unfortunately tabbed with his first loss of the season in an outing where he tossed 12 of his 20 pitches for strikes. Pagan should deliver most of his value if he gets involved in high-leverage situations, but as of now, he's part of a closer committee and that limits his upside a bit.

Loaisiga allowed two hits and struck out one in a scoreless inning Tuesday to notch a hold against Toronto.

The right-hander threw 10 of 11 pitches for strikes in the outing, and he avoided great danger by getting Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to ground into a fielder's choice with two outs and a pair of runners on base. Loaisiga has held opponents scoreless in all three of his appearances this season while posting a 2:2 K:BB over 3.1 frames. He figures to be the primary bridge to Aroldis Chapman after racking up 17 holds in 2021.

Taylor (back) will throw live batting practice in Fort Myers on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Taylor dealt with a back injury late last year and has managed a similar issue this spring. The southpaw will face hitters Thursday before heading to Boston to rehab with the team during the first homestead of the regular season. Manager Alex Cora is hopeful that Taylor will be able to begin a rehab assignment early next week, which could put him on track to make his 2022 debut late next week or sometime the following weekend.

Rodriguez's contract was selected by the Twins on Wednesday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Rodriguez spent the entire 2021 campaign at the Triple-A level and was unable to break camp with the Twins this year after serving as a non-roster invitee during spring training. However, the right-hander will now provide bullpen depth after Jharel Cotton was designated for assignment Wednesday.

Iglesias (1-0) picked up the win in Tuesday's 4-3 victory over the Marlins, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

The Angels' closer breezed through his frame on 14 pitches (nine strikes) before his teammates pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the ninth. Iglesias has a win and a save through his first three appearances as he looks to build on an impressive 2021 campaign that saw him establish a new career high with a 37.7 percent strikeout rate while tying his personal best with 34 saves.

Stephan (1-0) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning, earning the win Tuesday versus the Reds.

Stephan pitched the eighth inning, and the Guardians rallied for the lead on a two-run home run by Andres Gimenez and a grand slam by Jose Ramirez in the ninth. Through 2.2 innings in three appearances, Stephan has allowed two hits with one strikeout, and he's yet to give up a run. The right-hander did alright as a multi-inning option last season with a 4.41 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 75:31 K:BB, but it appears he's gained a bit more trust early in 2022 to work in tighter games.