Michael Kopech is getting used to his new relief role with the Chicago White Sox. Judging by his first Cactus League appearance, it looks like he's going to be just fine. The talented right-hander worked a perfect fourth inning Tuesday against San Diego. It was his first game since he opted out of the pandemic-shortened season for a variety of reasons, including concerns about his mental health. “It’s been a while, obviously,” Kopech said. “But it just felt good to kind of knock some rust off and get back out there and compete.” The 24-year-old Kopech, one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, was a starter coming up through the minors and likely will return to Chicago’s rotation at some point. But he is expected to begin the year in the White Sox bullpen. Part of his spring training work involves getting up to speed when it comes to life as a reliever. He worked out of the stretch against the Padres. “If I am going to be throwing out of the bullpen for part of this year at least and maybe... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals catcher Matt Wieters was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday after being sidelined by a broken left big toe.Catcher Andrew Knizner was optioned to the team's alternate training site to make room for Wieters, who is 0 for 12 in six games in his second season with St. Louis.The Cardinals also announced right-hander Jesus Cruz cleared waivers and was assigned to the alternate site in Springfield, Missouri.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports