Major League Baseball

White Sox add Cleto to battered bullpen

Published Aug. 4, 2014 6:47 p.m. ET

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CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago White Sox have promoted right-handed reliever Maikel Cleto from Triple-A Charlotte and added him to a battered bullpen.

The White Sox purchased Cleto's contract before Monday night's game against Texas.

Right-hander Taylor Thompson was optioned to the minors on Sunday after Chicago relievers gave up 15 runs and 18 hits in just four innings of a 16-3 loss to Minnesota.

The 25-year-old Cleto was 3-0 with 5.91 ERA at Charlotte. He began the season with the White Sox and had a 5.14 ERA in 13 appearances.

''He's been throwing great,'' manager Robin Ventura said. ''I think after (Sunday) you need a bullpen arm, and he's been the best guy down there. They said, by far, he's been throwing the best.''