Alexander Alberto: Everything you need to know

Alberto cleared waivers and was returned to the Rays on Thursday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports. The 24-year-old was selected by the White Sox during the Rule 5 Draft in November, but he didn't make the Opening Day roster and is now back with his previous organization. Alberto spent most of last season at the High-A level and had a 2.91 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 45:17 K:BB across 34 innings.

The White Sox placed Alberto on waivers Monday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports. Alberto was a Rule 5 selection over the winter, so any team that puts a claim in for the 24-year-old right-hander would have to carry him on its major-league roster throughout the season. In the likelier event that Alberto clears waivers, the White Sox would have to offer him back to the Rays, the team he originally signed with back in 2019. Alberto has yet to pitch above the High-A level and didn't look big-league ready during spring training, as he yielded 10 runs (eight earned) on 12 hits and four walks while striking out seven over 6.2 innings across his seven Cactus League appearances.

Alberto (back) is listed among the White Sox's available relievers for Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Angels, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. Alberto had been expected to make his most recent spring appearance Monday against the Rockies, but he ended up being scratched after contending with back tightness. After getting a couple days off to recover, Alberto looks to have moved past the issue. A Rule 5 selection over the winter, Alberto has struck out four batters and has allowed three earned runs through five innings this spring.