MLB Player News

Gonsalves (shoulder) allowed two runs on two hits and one walk while striking out three batters over four innings in his first start of the season for Double-A Chattanooga on Saturday.

He did give up a homer after allowing three all of last year between High-A and Double-A (140 innings), but there were no reported issues with the shoulder, so it should be considered a successful 2017 debut for the lefty. Gonsalves does not have overpowering stuff and his walk rate has ticked up steadily as he's advanced up the minor-league ladder, but he gets swings and misses on the fastball (thanks in large part to a high spin rate), and he uses his plus changeup to keep hitters off balance. A cup of coffee in the major leagues late in the year is not out of the question.

Putnam (elbow) threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since going on the disabled list, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The best Putnam could say about the session was that there were no setbacks. He'll continue to build off it but there's no timetable for his return to the White Sox's bullpen.

Covey was removed from Tuesday's outing in Arizona due to left oblique soreness and he will be reevaluated Wednesday, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

He was visited by Chicago's training staff after being tagged for four earned runs over 2.1 innings and was ultimately removed from the outing. Counting this start, Covey has now allowed 13 earned runs over 37.2 innings this season. Wednesday's evaluation from the training staff should shed light on Covey's availability for his next turn in the rotation.

Covey exited Tuesday's start against Arizona in the third inning with an undisclosed issue, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The right-hander called out for the trainer after inducing a groundout to start the third inning Tuesday and was subsequently replaced by Chris Beck. The White Sox have yet to announce the specifics on Covey's injury, but there will likely be an update later in the game. Covey allowed two home runs and four earned runs prior to his exit.

Flynn (back) is still throwing at extended spring training but is getting close to embarking on a rehab assignment, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Flynn has been sidelined since mid-February after falling through the roof of his barn, but it seems like he's finally on the verge of getting back into game action. Despite this development, he isn't guaranteed a return trip to the big leagues once he's back to full health, although more information on his return date and where he'll play should come forth once he gets into his rehab assignment.

Manager John Farrell said that Johnson is a "strong candidate" to enter the rotation as the fifth starter, Tim Britton of The Providence Journal reports.

A vacancy in the rotation was created when Hector Velazquez was optioned to Triple-A following his rough spot start, and it seems like Johnson has moved up in the pecking order. Even if he does pick up a start or two in the big leagues, David Price's (elbow) impending activation would likely send Johnson back to the minor leagues. If he does in fact get a callup, Johnson would likely be in line to start Saturday against the Mariners.

Almonte could pick up a spot start Thursday against the Yankees if Nathan Karns (forearm) is unable to pitch, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

Karns' status is still unknown, but it's certainly a good sign that the 24-year-old is in the mind of manager Ned Yost when potential replacements are being considered. Almonte has yet to make an appearance in the big leagues this season, but he possesses a 1.86 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in six starts and a relief appearance for Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Leclerc (finger) is expected to play catch Wednesday or Thursday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Leclerc was shut down for a few days after being diagnosed with right finger tendinitis Saturday, but it seems like he'll be able to get back on track pretty quickly after he received an injection to address the pain. The Rangers will determine if he's ready to throw off a mound following the catch sessions, so more information on a potential return date should come forth later this week.

Barnes believes his success this year is due in part to an emphasis he's put on improving his changeup and slider, Nick Ashbourne of Yahoo Canada Sports reports.

Barnes is a unique reliever in the sense that he uses a mix of three quality pitches. His 92 mph fastball won't blow hitters away, but it's more than sufficient when set up by the right-hander's 79 mph changeup. With Toronto's bullpen in flux, Barnes -- who's bounced between levels over the past two seasons -- may become a mainstay for the foreseeable future. He currently owns a 2.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB through 13 appearances (16.2) innings this year.

Leone has managed a 4.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over eight appearances (nine innings) this month.

Although his May ERA is better than the mark he posted in the campaign's opening month, Leone hasn't been as effective of late. The right-hander has given up a run in five of his eight games while opposing hitters have upped their OBP by nearly 25 points since April. Leone will continue to see regular work, but his low-leverage role minimizes any potential fantasy relevance.