MLB Player News

Merryweather was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a left abdominal strain.

He exited Monday's game with the injury. Merryweather has a 6.38 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 17 strikeouts in 18.1 innings. Jeremy Beasley was recalled from Triple-A to take his place in the bullpen.

The White Sox optioned Sousa to Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday.

With holds in both of his last two appearances, Sousa appeared to be gaining traction in the late innings for Chicago, but he'll end up being swapped out of the bullpen for Joe Kelly (hamstring), who returns from a stint on the 15-day injured list. Through his 25 appearances with the White Sox this season, Sousa has largely been unreliable, as he's turned in an 8.41 ERA and 1.72 WHIP across 20.1 innings.

Graveman could be in line for work in the ninth inning with Liam Hendriks (forearm strain) out indefinitely.

The injury to Hendriks is one that could sideline him for weeks or months, so it's unclear how long the closer role will be up for grabs, but Graveman seems like the best bet to get save opportunities in the interim. He saved 10 games in 2021 and has two saves this year to go along with a 2.51 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 27:10 K:BB in 28.2 innings.

Kelly (hamstring) was activated from the 15-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's game against the Tigers.

He probably wouldn't be the first option, but with Liam Hendriks (forearm strain) out indefinitely, there could be saves available in the Chicago bullpen. Kendall Graveman seems like the most likely option to get the first chance to fill in for Hendriks. Kelly had a rough start to the season but logged four scoreless appearances prior to landing on the shelf.

The White Sox placed Hendriks on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a right forearm strain.

Hendriks hadn't made an appearance since Friday before manager Tony La Russa revealed Monday that the closer was battling arm stiffness. The right-hander was scheduled to play catch Monday, but after he apparently didn't respond well to the workout, the White Sox sent him in for an MRI that confirmed the forearm strain. Given the nature of his injury, Hendriks seems likely to miss more than the minimum 15 days, but the White Sox have yet to provide a precise timeline for his recovery. Kendall Graveman is likely first in line to pick up saves while Hendriks is on the shelf.

Vizcaino allowed two runs on a hit and two walks in one inning during Monday's loss to the Giants.

This was the first time Vizcaino's allowed multiple runs in his seven outings this year. He hasn't shown much in the way of command since joining the Royals on May 30 -- he's posted an ugly 3:7 K:BB across 5.2 innings. The 31-year-old reliever has added a 6.35 ERA, 1.94 WHIP and two holds, and there's little to suggest he'll maintain a spot in the big-league bullpen once the Royals get some relievers back from the injured list.

Chapman (Achilles) is expected to throw from a bullpen mound Tuesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Chapman pitched from a bullpen mound Saturday and is slated to do so again Tuesday. He is reportedly pain-free and hopeful that he can return to the Yankees without a minor-league rehab assignment. It's unclear how the club will deploy him after his activation given the dominance of current closer Clay Holmes (nine saves, 0.31 ERA, 29:3 K:BB) this season.

Cuas has posted a 1.23 ERA in 7.1 innings since his contract was selected from Triple-A Omaha on May 31.

While he's yet to record a decision, a save or a hold, Cuas has held his own in a low-leverage role. The right-hander has a 6:3 K:BB and 0.95 WHIP. Considering the Royals' bullpen ERA as a team is 4.86 (third-worst in the majors), Cuas' success has to be considered a positive. If he can keep it going, he could push for some high-leverage chances eventually.

Loaisiga (shoulder) recently returned to the United States after attending to a family matter in Nicaragua, and he was slated to begin a throwing program Monday, Max Goodman of SI.com reports.

Loaisiga was out of the country for about a week for personal reasons, but the absence doesn't appear to have significantly impacted his return timeline. If he makes steady progress in the throwing program, the righty reliever could still return by the end of June. Loaisiga last pitched May 22 before going on the IL with right shoulder inflammation.

Neris (1-3) allowed three earned runs on three hits and a walk while recording just one out to take the loss Monday against the Rangers.

Neris entered the game in the eighth inning with a one-run lead, though he struggled with his control to blow the advantage and take the loss. After beginning the season in excellent form, Neris has allowed six earned runs in four innings across his last five appearances. Despite that stretch, he still owns a 3.76 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 29:6 K:BB across 26.1 frames this season.