MLB Player News

Flexen did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Twins, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out four.

While the White Sox failed to hang on to a one-run lead after Flexen departed, it was another strong start from the right-hander -- he's now allowed just two runs on six hits in his last two outings (10 innings). Overall, Flexen is 1-3 with a 4.85 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 17:12 K:BB across 29.2 innings in a swing role with Chicago. With Jonathan Cannon back in Triple-A, it seems likely that Flexen will remain in the rotation for now. He's currently slated to face the Rays on the road next week.

Wentz worked around a hit and a walk to pitch a scoreless inning of relief and earn a hold in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Cardinals. He struck out one.

Wentz has pitched well all season in relief, and he now has his first hold to show for it. The lefty has a miniscule 0.79 ERA across 11.1 innings and he's struck out 14. The move to the bullpen has done wonders for Wentz, as he struggled mightily as a starter last year, posting a 6.80 ERA and 1.68 WHIP across 105.2 innings. He figures to stick in a relief role moving forward.

Vierling went 2-for-3 with a home run, an additional run scored and three total RBI in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Cardinals.

Vierling connected for a two-run shot in the third inning, his third home run of the season, then drove in another run on a sacrifice fly in the eighth. The 27-year-old has been seeing regular time at third base with Gio Urshela (hamstring) out, and Vierling has responded with a solid .282 average and .758 OPS, giving him decent short-term fantasy value.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol hinted Wednesday that Clevinger could be added to the 26-man active roster next week to make his next start with the big club, Vinnie Duber of AllCHGO.com reports. "We're expecting him to join us here pretty soon. He felt good [Tuesday]," Grifol said of Clevinger. "The news from our trainers was he's excited about how he felt, he's excited about how he threw the ball. We'll assess it, but I would expect him here shortly."

Because he didn't go through a proper spring training after remaining unsigned all offseason until inking a one-year deal with the White Sox until April 2, Clevinger has spent the first month of the regular season getting ramped up. He made the second of two starts at Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday, covering four innings (71 pitches) and striking out four while allowing two earned runs on six hits and one walk. The White Sox have already announced their starting rotation through Sunday's game in St. Louis, but Clevinger should be a strong candidate to make his 2024 big-league debut early next week at Tampa Bay, if the organization's brain trust determines he doesn't need another tune-up start in the minors.

The Athletics optioned Noda to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Noda's 0-for-3 performance during Wednesday's win over Pittsburgh extended his hitless streak to 28 at-bats across 11 games and gives him a putrid .128 batting average through 83 at-bats on the year. Abraham Toro will likely fill in as Oakland's everyday first baseman while Noda attempts to rediscover his swing in the minors.

The Astros placed McCormick on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to right hamstring discomfort, retroactive to Sunday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that the Astros were debating placing McCormick on the injured list, and the team ultimately decided sitting him down for another week is the best course of action. The 29-year-old outfielder likely won't require more than a minimum stay on the IL, so he may be able to return to the lineup when eligible May 8. Jacob Amaya was recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move.

The Astros recalled Amaya from Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

With Chas McCormick (hamstring) headed for the 10-day IL, Amaya will come up from the minors to give the Astros an additional bench bat. However, the 25-year-old infielder is slashing just .190/.297/.302 across 74 plate appearances at Triple-A, so he likely won't see much playing time while with Houston.

Rodriguez cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Worcester, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Rodriguez was designated for assignment Sunday after posting a 6.55 ERA and 1.55 WHIP across 11 innings with the Red Sox. The 32-year-old southpaw will now officially remain with the organization, but he will not have the benefit of a 40-man roster spot and will likely need to show significant improvement in the minors before getting another shot in Boston.

Diaz is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Guardians.

Diaz will rest after he had drawn starts in each of the past six games (four at catcher, two at designated hitter). Victor Caratini will replace Diaz behind the dish Wednesday.

The Astros recalled Cabbage from Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Cabbage was returned to Triple-A after serving as the 27th man for the Astros' two-game series with the Rockies in Mexico City last weekend, but he'll be back with the big club just two days later after Houston optioned struggling first baseman Jose Abreu to their spring training facility. While he's up with the Astros, Cabbage will provide depth in the corner outfield and at first base.