MLB Player News
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Jesse Scholtens RP | TB
White Sox's Jesse Scholtens: Moving rehab to Charlotte
The White Sox transferred Scholtens' (elbow) rehab assignment from High-A Winston-Salem to Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday.
On the mend from the Tommy John surgery he underwent March 1, 2024, Scholtens kicked off his rehab assignment with Winston-Salem on May 6. He made his second appearance for the affiliate Sunday, covering four innings and striking out three batters while giving up one earned run on four hits and one walk. The right-hander will continue to build up his innings and pitch counts as he heads to Charlotte, where he's expected to make his third rehab start later this week. The White Sox will likely keep Scholtens in the minors for close to the entirety of his 30-day rehab window, but once activated in late May or early June, he could be in the mix for a spot in the big-league rotation.
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Hunter Bigge P | TB
Rays' Hunter Bigge: Resumes throwing
Bigge (lat) recently resumed a throwing program, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Bigge is just a week removed from landing on the 15-day injured list with a right lat strain, so it's a good sign that he's already throwing. The reliever will continue to ramp up before likely making a rehab appearance or two prior to being activated. Bigge is eligible for activation May 18, but he will need a bit more time than that.
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Steven Okert RP | HOU
Astros' Steven Okert: Excellent start to season continues
Okert allowed one hit with no walks and no strikeouts across two scoreless innings Monday against the Royals.
Monday's outing was Okert's 17th of the season and his 15th scoreless appearance. He's backed that up with an excellent 24:3 K:BB across 22 innings. Despite his success, Okert hasn't typically been used in high-leverage spots and has only two holds on the campaign.
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Ryan Gusto P | MIA
Astros' Ryan Gusto: Clobbered in loss
Gusto (3-2) took the loss Monday against Kansas City, allowing seven runs on seven hits and three walks over 2.1 innings. He struck out one.
The Houston right-hander looked rusty in this 68-pitch outing, as he hadn't pitched since May 4 and was filling in for Hayden Wesneski (elbow). The floodgates opened in the second when Michael Massey opened the frame with a solo homer, fueling a four-run, five-hit inning. Gusto fully unraveled in the third, as he allowed another run and departed after loading the bases. Reliever Tayler Scott would allow two additional runs to score. Despite this rough performance, Gusto should continue to occupy Wesneski's rotation spot while the latter is on the injured list. Gusto is currently in line to make his next start at Texas this weekend.
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Carlos Estevez RP | KC
Royals' Carlos Estevez: Collects 12th save
Estevez secured the save in Monday's 7-5 victory over Houston, allowing one hit and no walks over a scoreless inning with one strikeout.
After conceding a leadoff single to Jose Altuve in the ninth, Estevez cleanly retired the next three batters to bag his 94th career save. The 32-year-old has converted his last seven save opportunities, cementing him as the Kansas City closer. Overall, Estevez has pitched to a 2.37 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 17:9 K:BB across 19 innings.
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Jacob Webb RP | CHC
Rangers' Jacob Webb: Called upon for first save
Webb picked up the save in Monday's 2-1 win versus Colorado, allowing one hit and one walk over a scoreless inning with no strikeouts.
The Texas right-hander entered the contest in a difficult situation, as Luke Jackson departed after taking a Ryan McMahon line drive off his right arm to open the ninth. After loading the bases, Webb locked down the win to collect his first save since May 8, 2024 when with the Orioles. Chris Martin would be the likely candidate to fill in as the Rangers closer if Jackson misses any time; however, Webb would likely step into Martin's setup role.
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Luke Jackson RP | SEA
Rangers' Luke Jackson: X-rays on hand return negative
Manager Bruce Bochy said after Monday's 2-1 win over the Rockies that X-rays on Jackson's right hand came back negative, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Bochy noted that Jackson was dealing with some swelling on his hand after the lone batter he faced (Ryan McMahon) hit a line drive right back at him. The skipper suggested that a trip to the injured list could be on the table for Jackson, but the club will wait and see how the right-hander recovers before a decision is made on that front. After McMahon reached on an infield single and Jackson was pulled from the game, Jacob Webb stepped in for the save chance. Webb induced a groundout and then loaded the bases by giving up a single and issuing a walk before he generated another groundball for a game-ending double play.
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Luke Jackson RP | SEA
Rangers' Luke Jackson: Hit by comebacker
Jackson was removed from Monday's game against the Rockies after being struck by a line drive, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Jackson entered the matchup in a save situation, but he was unable to record an out after a line drive off the bat of Ryan McMahon forced Jackson from the game. He appeared to get hit on his right arm and walked off the field following a brief conversation with the team trainer. The club should have another update on the closer's status after further evaluation. Jacob Webb was called upon in Jackson's place and managed to register the save.
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Tyler Holton RP | DET
Tigers' Tyler Holton: Working as opener Tuesday
Holton will serve as the Tigers' opening pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.
Holton is poised to work the first inning or so before presumably turning the ball over to Keider Montero, who is in line be deployed as the primary pitcher for Tuesday's clash. Holton has been knocked around lately, posting a 4.70 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with eight strikeouts over his last 7.2 innings of work (six appearances).
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Michel Otanez RP | TEX
Athletics' Michel Otanez: Makes fourth rehab appearance
Otanez (shoulder) struck out three and allowed two hits and no walks over two scoreless innings in his rehab appearance Sunday with Triple-A Las Vegas.
Otanez has been on the shelf all season due to a right shoulder sprain, but he appears to be on the cusp of a return from the 15-day injured list. After he was briefly shut down following an April 26 rehab appearance with Single-A Stockton, Otanez headed to Las Vegas earlier this month and has made four appearances for the Triple-A club over the past week. Otanez is likely to fill a middle-relief role for the Athletics once activated.