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Cleto called up from Charlotte

CHICAGO -- The White Sox on Monday purchased the contract of pitcher Maikel Cleto from Triple-A Charlotte, and in a corresponding move, sent Taylor Thompson to Triple-A.

In 22 games with Charlotte, Cleto went 3-0 with a 5.91 ERA, 50 strikeouts, 15 walks and three saves. He will provide a fresh arm to a struggling White Sox bullpen.

"He's been throwing great, and after [the relief corps allowed 15 runs on Sunday], you need a bullpen arm, and he's been the best guy down there," manager Robin Ventura said. "They said by far that he's been throwing it the best."

Cleto was claimed off waivers from the Royals in February and made the Opening Day roster, but he was optioned on May 12 to Charlotte, where he's remained since. He tossed 14 innings over 13 games, with a 5.14 ERA, before being sent down.

"We saw some pretty good stuff early in Spring Training," Ventura said. "The velocity and the power he has, he got to a point where the location wasn't there, but right now they say he's throwing great."

Daniel Kramer is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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