MLB Player News

Stephenson (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Wednesday and could be cleared to face hitters in live batting practice within the next few days, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

According to Fletcher, the bullpen session was Stephenson's third in less than a week, a sign that he's bouncing back well after he was shut down for a brief period of time earlier in the spring with right shoulder inflammation. Because he didn't complete a proper spring training throwing progression, Stephenson will still need additional time to complete the ramp-up process, but a minor-league rehab assignment doesn't appear to be too far off. Stephenson could report to one of the Angels' affiliates as soon as next week if his live BP session goes as expected.

Bolton fired 1.2 scoreless, hitless relief innings during which he recorded two strikeouts in a loss to the Guardians on Tuesday.

Bolton got five outs on just 15 pitches, with 11 of those offerings landing in the strike zone. The especially sharp outing was a welcome sight for the right-hander -- he'd surrendered an earned run in each of his first two appearances of the season after earning a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Leone won't start Wednesday against Atlanta after the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Chicago.

Leone had been scheduled to open Wednesday's game on the mound in what was set to be a bullpen day for Chicago, but as a result of the postponement, the game will be made up June 27. The White Sox will return to action Thursday in Kansas City, with Michael Soroka scheduled to start that contest and Leone set to return to his familiar bullpen role.

Kelly (oblique) has made two relief appearances for Triple-A Worcester since the start of the International League season, tossing two scoreless innings while striking out one and allowing zero hits and two walks.

Before he was optioned to Triple-A at the conclusion of spring training, Kelly didn't make any Grapefruit League appearances for Boston after March 2 while he dealt with a sore left oblique. The issue wasn't significant enough to force Kelly to Worcester's 7-day IL to begin the season, so he'll look to string together some quality appearances for the Triple-A club with the hope of earning a call back to Boston.

Leone will serve as the White Sox's opening pitcher for Wednesday's game versus Atlanta, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports.

The White Sox didn't name a No. 5 starter heading into Opening Day, but that void has since been filled by Mike Clevinger, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the club Monday. However, because Clevinger didn't participate in spring training and will require a ramp-up period before he's ready to make his season debut, the White Sox will opt for a bullpen day Wednesday in what would have been his first turn through the rotation. Expect Leone to work no more than one or two innings before giving way to a parade of relievers, with Tanner Banks being the most likely candidate to operate as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen if the White Sox elect to go that route.

Perez (oblique) said Wednesday that he's feeling much better and is optimistic that he can begin throwing soon, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Perez landed on the injured list over the weekend with a right oblique strain, but he might require a minimum-length stay on the shelf. The left-handed reliever was a key bullpen piece for the Orioles over the last two seasons, collecting a 2.43 ERA and 99:48 K:BB over 111 innings.

Clase gave up one hit and struck out two during a scoreless inning to earn a save Tuesday against Seattle.

Clase took the mound with three runs of cushion, and the Guardians' lead was never threatened. He's now converted both of his save chances this season and could push for a third straight season of 40-plus saves. Clase is coming off a career-worst 3.22 ERA and 12 blown saves in 2023 after previously having not blown more than five in a single year.

Hernandez (lat) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday.

Hernandez struck out one over a scoreless inning in his first appearance with Round Rock. The plan is for him to make a handful of rehab appearances, including working on back-to-back day, before he rejoins the Rangers' bullpen.

Crochet (1-1) picked up the win Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over seven innings in a 3-2 victory over Atlanta. He struck out eight.

That's now back-to-back quality starts and back-to-back eight-strikeout performances for Crochet, as the left-hander makes the White Sox look like geniuses for moving him into the rotation. He blanked one of the most potent offenses in baseball for six innings before Marcell Ozuna finally tagged him for a solo shot in the seventh. Crochet left the mound having generated 18 swinging strikes on his 93 pitches, and through his first two career starts he sports a 1.38 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 16:1 K:BB through 13 innings. He tentatively lines up to make his next trip to the mound this weekend in Kansas City.

Garcia earned the save over the Marlins on Tuesday after allowing one run on one hit and a walk in the ninth inning. He struck out a batter as well.

Garcia was called upon to protect a 3-0 lead in the ninth with usual closer Carlos Estevez presumably unavailable after pitching each of the last two days. Garcia served up a solo blast to Bryan De La Cruz but was able to close the door without any further harm. Garcia's now given up runs in both appearances though it appears he still has his manager's trust in late-game situations for now.