MLB Player News

McDougal (elbow) made his season debut last Thursday for Single-A Kannapolis, striking out three over 3.1 scoreless innings while walking five and giving up no hits. Kannapolis placed him on the 7-day injured list one day later.

Pitching in a game for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2021, McDougal did well to keep Delmarva off the scoreboard but struggled mightily with his efficiency. Kannapolis' decision to move him to the IL immediately following the outing could hint that McDougal experienced a setback with his surgically repaired elbow, though no update on his status has been provided.

Farrell signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox on Monday.

Farrell is expected to report to the White Sox's spring training complex in Arizona to get stretched out after he had been a free agent since the conclusion of the 2022 season. Once he's fully ramped up, Farrell is expected to report to Triple-A Charlotte, where he could handle a swingman role. He logged 15 innings in the big leagues in 2022 over six appearances (two starts) between the Cubs and Reds, pitching to a 5.40 ERA and 1.67 WHIP.

Cease did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs on six hits with five walks over six innings in the loss against the Orioles. He struck out five.

Despite a strong start with a four-run lead in the first inning, Cease's command faltered as he allowed the Orioles to creep back into the game. A crucial error by Jake Burger in the fourth inning allowed Cedric Mullins to hit a base-clearing triple, and Cease's wild pitch in the sixth allowed Gunnar Henderson to tie the game at 4-4. Although the 27-year-old ace was relieved later in the inning and received a no-decision, his 2.02 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 29.3 percent strikeout rate and .143 average against reflect his status as a top pitcher. He looks to continue his dominance in his upcoming start against Tampa Bay.

Wheeler won't start Monday against the White Sox after the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Chicago, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

The Phillies and White Sox will make up the game as part of a straight doubleheader Tuesday. Expect Wheeler to take the hill for one of those games, while Bailey Falter starts the other half of the twin bill.

Watkins was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk following Sunday's 8-4 win over the White Sox.

Watkins will head back to Triple-A after he was called up for extra bullpen depth Thursday. With Keegan Akin returning from the paternity list Monday, Watkins was the odd man out on the major-league roster.

Blackburn (finger) allowed four earned runs on six hits and two walks over 2.2 innings in Triple-A Las Vegas' win over Salt Lake on Sunday. He struck out three.

Blackburn worked up to 62 pitches, but with only 37 finding the strike zone, it's evident that was largely due to control issues. The right-hander surrendered a two-run home run to Mickey Moniak among his six hits, and he's now allowed seven runs (six earned) on 15 hits and three walks across 7.1 frames in his three rehab appearances. Blackburn likely lines up for at least one more start with the Aviators before he's deemed fit for his 2023 big-league debut.

Lynn won't start Monday against the Phillies after the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Chicago, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

The White Sox and Phillies will make up the game as part of a straight doubleheader Tuesday. Expect Lynn to take the hill for one of those games, while Lucas Giolito starts the other half of the twin bill.

Bradley has been added to the Rays' taxi squad and is in line to start Tuesday in Cincinnati, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bradley was optioned to Triple-A Durham a day after making his major-league debut last Wednesday, but he's now positioned for a long-term stay in the Rays' rotation with Jeffrey Springs (elbow) likely to miss at least the next two months. Bradley struck out eight in his debut versus the Red Sox, getting charged with three runs over five innings along the way. He should be scooped back up in fantasy leagues where he was dropped.

Wainwright (groin) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Wednesday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Wainwright was initially expected to begin his rehab assignment Tuesday, but giving him an extra day off will allow him to throw a few more pitches Wednesday. Moving back to Wednesday will also line Wainwright up to pitch the same day as Jake Woodford, whose rotation spot he's likely to take once activated form the 15-day injured list. It's not clear how many rehab outings Wainwright will require, but he's on track for a return before the end of the month.

Rodriguez did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits with two walks over five innings in the victory over the White Sox. He struck out eight.

Despite giving up two home runs in the first inning, Rodriguez bounced back by working in more of his changeup, racking up a career-high eight strikeouts. The 23-year-old didn't allow another run for the remainder of his outing, pitching solidly until being relieved in the sixth. While Rodriguez struggled early this season, this performance showcased his potential to become a dominant force on the mound with continued refinement of his approach. He will bring a 6.91 ERA and 1.60 WHIP into his next start, scheduled tentatively for the upcoming series with Detriot.