MLB Player News

Cousins (elbow) has begun throwing off a mound, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Cousins has been nursing a right elbow flexor strain since February, but he recently received the green light to begin throwing bullpen sessions again. Assuming he doesn't experience any setbacks, the plan is for him to graduate to throwing live batting practice in a few weeks before beginning a rehab assignment in the minors. The 30-year-old righty will be eligible for activation from the 60-day IL in late May

The Rangers recalled Latz from Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Latz has posted a 3.12 ERA and 14:8 K:BB over 8.2 frames at Round Rock this season. He will give manager Bruce Bochy another left-handed option in the bullpen.

The Rangers optioned Church to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.

Church drew some buzz during spring training and manager Bruce Bochy even floated his name as a potential closer candidate. However, Church struggled to throw strikes in the early going with a 5:6 K:BB over 4.2 frames, resulting in a move to the minors. Jacob Latz was called up from Triple-A to replace Church in the bullpen.

Loaisiga (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Wednesday, Max Goodman of NJ.com reports.

It appears to be the first time he's faced hitters since last April's internal brace procedure. The Yankees hope Loaisiga can rejoin their bullpen by late May or early June, but he still has some work to do in his rehab program before a timeline for his return becomes clearer.

The White Sox selected Wilson's contract from Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday.

Wilson was removed from the 40-man roster back in February, but he's found his way back to the majors after permitting just one run with a 10:1 K:BB over 5.1 frames at Charlotte this season. He will likely operate in middle relief initially, but Wilson could work his way up the hierarchy of a talent-deficient bullpen if he gets off to a nice start.

The Mariners recalled Klein from Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

He's taking the roster spot vacated by Gregory Santos, who was sent down to Tacoma. Klein has struggled this season with Tacoma, yielding nine runs with a 13:7 K:BB over 6.1 relief innings.

The Mariners optioned Santos to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

The Mariners had high hopes that a finally healthy Santos could be a weapon in their bullpen this season, but he has struggled mightily, posting a 5.14 ERA and ugly 0:8 K:BB over seven innings. Will Klein is absorbing his spot in the Seattle bullpen.

Clase picked up his second save of the season in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Orioles. He tossed a scoreless inning, allowing a hit and striking out a batter without a walk.

Clase was able to work around a one-out base hit to log his second save of the year. He bounced back with a stress-free outing after allowing five runs in his last four innings. It's been a struggle in the early going, but Tuesday's showing is a step in the right direction for Clase, who should only continue to get better.

Clevinger allowed three earned runs on two hits and a walk across one inning Tuesday against the A's.

Clevinger entered the game in the ninth inning with the White Sox down by six runs. The effort continued what has been an uninspiring start to the campaign, as he's now allowed at least one earned run in three of his eight appearances and has an ugly 3:8 K:BB. The White Sox have yet to record a save this season, but Clevinger appears to be the top candidate for the closer role when required.

Williams earned the save in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Royals, striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

Williams got the call to come into the ninth inning to protect a 4-2 lead. He needed 16 pitches (11 of which were strikes) to get through the frame, finishing things off by punching out MJ Melendez to record his third save of the season. Williams has not given up a run over his last three outings and has struck out three batters while allowing two hits and two walks in those three innings.