Dominic

Leone

Leone had his 2024 season end due to a UCL sprain in his throwing elbow. The 33-year-old pitched for 11 seasons for nine MLB clubs, and he finished his career with a 3.94 ERA over 429 innings with those teams.

Leone had just returned from the injured list on August 5 after missing the first four months of the season due to elbow inflammation. He’s now shut down indefinitely and could be looking at Tommy John surgery. Matt Foster was activated from the injured list to take his place in the White Sox’ bullpen.

Leone had been out since late May with elbow inflammation. In four rehab appearances, he allowed two runs and posted a 7/0 K/BB ratio in four innings for Triple-A Charlotte. He might well emerge as the favorite for saves in the White Sox pen, though that doesn’t make him worth picking up right now.

The procedural move opens up a spot on Chicago’s 40-man roster for top pitching prospect Drew Thorpe. Leone has been on the shelf since late May due to right elbow inflammation and remains without a timetable to return.

Leone had a 7.04 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 18 appearances with Chicago this season. Elbow inflammation could turn out to be a significant injury for him. The timeline for Leone’s return is unclear at this time.

Leone will return to a 6.75 ERA in 14 2/3 innings on the season. He’s not on the fantasy radar and is probably on shaky ground with the White Sox as well. Brad Keller was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Leone has struggled in his 14 appearances with the White Sox as seen in a 6.75 ERA, and he’ll now miss at least two weeks with the back injury. Mike Clevinger is taking his roster spot after being called up from Triple-A Charlotte.

This was the series finale between Atlanta and Chicago. The game has been rescheduled for June 27. The postponement allows the White Sox to stay on schedule with their rotation and start Michael Soroka tomorrow in Kansas City. Meanwhile, the Braves will now have two days off as the team travels back home for a weekend series against the Diamondbacks. Spencer Strider will start the first game of that series.

Leone looked sharp in eight relief appearances this spring to win a spot in Chicago’s bullpen to open the season. The 32-year-old righty signed a minor league pact with the White Sox back in mid-February.

The 32-year-old Leone was outstanding in 2021, average in 2022 and well below average last season, but while that seems like a trend, one never can tell with relievers. In a wide-open White Sox pen, he’ll be worth some attention if he impresses this spring. If he makes the club, he’ll be pitching for his ninth club in 11 big-league seasons.