Crain (biceps) agreed to a minor league contract with the White Sox on Thursday that includes an invite to spring training, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports. 2014 was a lost season for Crain, as several setbacks in his recovery from biceps surgery prevented him from taking the hill at any point for the Astros. He will return to the White Sox, with whom he spent the 2011-13 campaigns, but the team will take it slow with him in hopes of avoiding any further complications. According to Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com, Crain is currently throwing from 120 feet.

Crain (biceps) is unlikely to return to the Astros during the final week of the season, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports. Crain threw a simulated game Monday and looks to be nearly fully recovered from the biceps strain that has bothered him for the last year and a half, but he'll run out of time to contribute for the Astros. The right-hander was viewed as a potential closing option for the Astros heading into the season, but the long recovery process he faced effectively took him out of the running. He's set to become a free agent after the season and could have to settle for a cheap contract after having not pitched in a MLB game since July 2013.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Thursday that the hope is that Jesse Crain (shoulder) will begin throwing off the mound sometime in the next 10 days. Crain is now recovered from the right biceps surgery he had last October, but he's still working on strengthening his shoulder. The Astros signed the veteran reliever for $3.25 million over the winter, but he's no lock to pitch in the majors this year.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Tuesday that Jesse Crain (shoulder) remains without a timetable. Crain began the season on the disabled list while recovering from biceps surgery, but he's had a couple setbacks with his shoulder and that's the bigger issue at this point. "Still working on the strengthening and recovering from weakness in his scap (right scapula muscle)," Luhnow said. "I don't have a timeframe. . I think right now since we're in the middle of June you would have to assume that him coming back in June is probably not going to happen."

Jesse Crain (biceps, shoulder) might throw to hitters this week. Crain's rehab was slowed down back in April after he developed bursitis in his shoulder, but he has been throwing for about a month now. The hope is that he could finally be ready to join the Astros' bullpen in late June, but he obviously still has some hurdles to cross.

Jesse Crain (biceps, shoulder) is aiming to join the Astros' bullpen in late June. Crain resumed throwing off a mound nearly two weeks ago after having a setback when he developed bursitis in his right shoulder. It's not clear when he'll begin a rehab assignment, but obviously he's still a ways away.

Jesse Crain (biceps, shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday at what he estimated to be 60-70 percent effort. Crain is coming along slowly but surely after having a setback last month when he developed bursitis in his shoulder. He's hoping to join the Astros' bullpen sometime in June. "It went good, good as I can expect right now," Crain said after tossing Saturday. "I was able to get through it, didn't have any setbacks. . It was a positive, a step forward."

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Friday that the club is hoping to get Jesse Crain (biceps) back from the disabled list when first eligible on May 29. Crain was moved to the 60-day DL Friday in order to clear 40-man roster space. The reliever is coming back from biceps surgery and recently had a setback when he developed bursitis in his right elbow. He's already throwing again, but the Astros wanted to give Crain a few more weeks to get ready. He could eventually take over the team's closer job.

Astros transferred RHP Jesse Crain from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. The move clears room on the 40-man roster for the addition of Tony Sipp. Crain is coming back from biceps surgery and recently had a setback when he developed bursitis in his right elbow. He's throwing on flat ground again but now won't be eligible to return until the end of the month.

Jesse Crain (biceps, elbow) resumed throwing on flat ground Tuesday. Crain was shut down for about a week after developing bursitis in his right elbow. The reliever had been hoping to join the Astros' bullpen in early May, but obviously he's not anywhere close to a return. It's not clear when he'll be ready for mound work again.