MLB Player News

Tate (shoulder) is "close" to being assigned to a full-season affiliate, per Yankees farm director Gary Denbo, Josh Norris of Baseball America reports.

He is currently pitching in extended spring training while he rehabs a shoulder injury. Tate is still something of a mystery, as the Rangers tried to change his mechanics and then traded him to the Yankees when the results were poor. The Yankees have had a lot of recent success with maximizing the abilities of their pitching prospects, so it is possible that Tate's stock could take off once he starts pitching this year, presumably at Low-A or High-A.

Neal had his contract selected from Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

Neal has produced well in a swingman role for the Sounds, posting a 3.89 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP, so he'll head up to the big leagues to replace recently injured Bobby Wahl (undisclosed). Neal could be an option for a spot start if Jesse Hahn (triceps) is unable to make his next start, otherwise he'll likely fill a long-relief role out of Oakland's bullpen.

The Rangers could clear Diekman (abdomen) to do some light throwing this week, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Diekman is in the very initial stages of the rehab process and isn't expected to come off the 60-day disabled list until well after the All-Star break after recently undergoing his third and final operation to address ulcerative colitis. The Rangers will count anything they get from the left-hander this season as a bonus.

Gonsalves (shoulder) allowed two runs on two hits and one walk while striking out three batters over four innings in his first start of the season for Double-A Chattanooga on Saturday.

He did give up a homer after allowing three all of last year between High-A and Double-A (140 innings), but there were no reported issues with the shoulder, so it should be considered a successful 2017 debut for the lefty. Gonsalves does not have overpowering stuff and his walk rate has ticked up steadily as he's advanced up the minor-league ladder, but he gets swings and misses on the fastball (thanks in large part to a high spin rate), and he uses his plus changeup to keep hitters off balance. A cup of coffee in the major leagues late in the year is not out of the question.

Putnam (elbow) threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since going on the disabled list, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The best Putnam could say about the session was that there were no setbacks. He'll continue to build off it but there's no timetable for his return to the White Sox's bullpen.

Covey was removed from Tuesday's outing in Arizona due to left oblique soreness and he will be reevaluated Wednesday, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

He was visited by Chicago's training staff after being tagged for four earned runs over 2.1 innings and was ultimately removed from the outing. Counting this start, Covey has now allowed 13 earned runs over 37.2 innings this season. Wednesday's evaluation from the training staff should shed light on Covey's availability for his next turn in the rotation.

Covey exited Tuesday's start against Arizona in the third inning with an undisclosed issue, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The right-hander called out for the trainer after inducing a groundout to start the third inning Tuesday and was subsequently replaced by Chris Beck. The White Sox have yet to announce the specifics on Covey's injury, but there will likely be an update later in the game. Covey allowed two home runs and four earned runs prior to his exit.

Flynn (back) is still throwing at extended spring training but is getting close to embarking on a rehab assignment, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Flynn has been sidelined since mid-February after falling through the roof of his barn, but it seems like he's finally on the verge of getting back into game action. Despite this development, he isn't guaranteed a return trip to the big leagues once he's back to full health, although more information on his return date and where he'll play should come forth once he gets into his rehab assignment.

Manager John Farrell said that Johnson is a "strong candidate" to enter the rotation as the fifth starter, Tim Britton of The Providence Journal reports.

A vacancy in the rotation was created when Hector Velazquez was optioned to Triple-A following his rough spot start, and it seems like Johnson has moved up in the pecking order. Even if he does pick up a start or two in the big leagues, David Price's (elbow) impending activation would likely send Johnson back to the minor leagues. If he does in fact get a callup, Johnson would likely be in line to start Saturday against the Mariners.

Almonte could pick up a spot start Thursday against the Yankees if Nathan Karns (forearm) is unable to pitch, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Karns' status is still unknown, but it's certainly a good sign that the 24-year-old is in the mind of manager Ned Yost when potential replacements are being considered. Almonte has yet to make an appearance in the big leagues this season, but he possesses a 1.86 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in six starts and a relief appearance for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.