MLB Player News

The White Sox optioned Cousin to Double-A Birmingham on Friday.

The 25-year-old was added to Chicago's 40-man roster in December, but he was never a likely bet to begin the season in the majors given that he has just two appearances above the High-A level. Cousin should spend most of 2024 in Birmingham's rotation.

Woo fired 2.2 scoreless innings during which he allowed a walk and recorded three strikeouts in Thursday's Cactus League victory over the Angels.

Woo had been roughed up for four earned runs on six hits over 1.2 innings by the Rockies in his Cactus League debut last Friday. Steve Stockmar of MLB.com reports the right-hander needed just nine pitches to get through the first inning and threw 22 of his 38 pitches for strikes. While the Angels lineup was missing several key regulars, including Mike Trout, both Woo and manager Scott Servais came away pleased with the progress he displayed during his start. "He came out with a plan today and executed," Servais said. "He wanted to get both of his fastballs going and he did just that. He threw the ball really well. Great to see, super aggressive, had tons of strikes, and had really good stuff on top of it."

Gausman (shoulder) said in an interview on MLB Network Radio on Friday that he would be ready for the start of the regular season, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Gausman has been slowed by right shoulder fatigue recently but seems unconcerned, believing he just tried to ramp things up too quickly. The right-hander has resumed flat-ground work and is aiming to throw off a mound by Monday. It's possible the Blue Jays won't ask Gausman to start Opening Day if he needs a little more time to get ready, but at this point it looks like he will avoid the injured list.

Kochanowicz was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake by the Angels on Friday.

Kochanowicz made a couple scoreless Cactus League appearances, but that wasn't enough to keep him from being an early cut. The right-hander is in need of more seasoning after posting a 5.27 ERA in 21 starts between High-A Tri-City and Double-A Rocket City in 2023.

Eder (shoulder) was optioned to Double-A Birmingham by the White Sox on Friday.

Eder almost surely wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster anyway, but he's been sidelined recently with soreness in his right (non-throwing) shoulder. Acquired from the Marlins in the Jake Burger trade last year, Eder will be part of Birmingham's rotation once healthy.

Martin (elbow) was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday

Martin underwent Tommy John surgery last May and was never going to be an option for the White Sox to begin the season. The 27-year-old has resumed throwing off a mound and will continue building up his arm before hopefully starting a minor-league rehab assignment sometime during the first half.

Espino (shoulder) was optioned to Triple-A Columbus by the Guardians on Friday.

Espino is still working his way back from right shoulder surgery and isn't expected to pitch in games until around midseason. The top prospect didn't pitch at all in 2023 after being limited to only four starts in 2022 because of arm problems.

Verlander (shoulder) said he ramped up his throwing intensity during a 60-pitch bullpen session Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The veteran right-hander noted that his fastball velocity in Friday's session was sitting in the low 90s. Verlander will begin the season on the injured list as he works his way back from an offseason right shoulder issue, but he continues to make steady progress in his recovery. It's not clear when he might face hitters or if he'll pitch in any Grapefruit League games.

DeSclafani (elbow) felt good after a 35-pitch bullpen session Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The veteran right-hander has been slowed by right elbow soreness, but he's building up his workload and could soon face live hitters. DeSclafani will meet with the training staff Saturday to determine the next steps in his recovery.

The Red Sox optioned Perales to Triple-A Worcester on Friday.

The 20-year-old was added to Boston's 40-man roster in November in order to protect him from being selected in the Rule 5 Draft, but he was never a realistic candidate to make the Opening Day roster. Perales split last season between the Single-A and High-A levels, posting a 3.91 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 115:50 K:BB across 89.2 innings.