RADIO
Sean Burke on a Roll, Fans 10 Hitters for Second Straight Outing
Chicago White Sox right-hander Sean Burke continued to roll in Thursday's 2-1 walk-off victory over the visiting New York Yankees in 11 innings. Burke was credited with a no-decision, but fantasy managers were still plenty happy with his performance, as he threw six shutout innings with three hits allowed, two walks, and 10 strikeouts for the second straight start to lower his ERA on the year to a sharp 3.04. Not only does the 26-year-old have back-to-back 10-K performances, but Thursday was his fifth straight quality start. The former third-rounder in 2021 from the University of Maryland is having a breakout in 2026 and now sports a 1.10 WHIP with 140 strikeouts and 37 walks to go with his 3.04 ERA in 124.1 innings pitched. Burke's swing-and-miss stuff has been impressive. He got swings and misses on 18 of his 95 pitches on Thursday against the Yanks, and he currently ranks fifth in the American League in strikeouts. Burke will face the Boston Red Sox for the first time this year in his next outing. They'll be a challenging matchup as one of the hottest teams in baseball in July, and they also don't strike out a ton as a team.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tristan Peters has Interesting Deep-League Value
Chicago White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters has come out of nowhere and put together an excellent season in 2026. The 26-year-old earned himself a selection to the All-Star Game during his rookie season. Through 103 games, Peters is slashing .272/.328/.428 with six home runs, 37 RBI, and five stolen bases. It has been a slow start for Peters out of the break, but he'll hopefully turn it around soon. This slump might've put Peters on the waiver wire in some leagues. Fantasy managers in deep leagues seeking outfield help should consider scooping up Peters. He has shown the ability to contribute in multiple ways and could be a useful option in deeper leagues down the stretch of the season.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Braden Montgomery Can Help Fantasy Managers Down the Stretch
Chicago White Sox rookie outfielder Braden Montgomery had a memorable major-league debut on June 9 against the Atlanta Braves, when he walked it off with a home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Since then, though, the former 12th overall pick by the Boston Red Sox out of Texas A&M University has hit a mediocre .250/.329/.405 with a .735 OPS, three home runs, 20 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a steal in his first 148 major-league at-bats with the Pale Hose. The 23-year-old switch-hitting outfielder has plenty of long-term upside, though, and he can be a fantasy baseball asset to close out the 2026 campaign. Since July 12, Montgomery has gone 15-for-48 (.313) with a .900 OPS, a homer, two doubles, two triples, 12 RBI, a stolen base, and eight runs scored in 13 games and 55 plate appearances. As long as Montgomery can avoid lower-body injuries, which have been an issue for him in the past, he should play regularly in Chicago, and his overall athleticism makes him an intriguing bench stash in deep-mixed leagues. Montgomery is only rostered in 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Grant Taylor Has Arrived as a Must-Add Reliever
Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor has been one of the better relievers in baseball so far this season, recording a 2.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 74 strikeouts, four wins, and five saves across 52 1/3 innings (39 games). Chicago has been hesitant to deploy Taylor as its full-time closer in 2026, preferring to utilize him in a fireman role. However, the 24-year-old has notched three saves in July and could be securing the team's ninth-inning role. Even if Taylor does not see every save chance for the White Sox the rest of the way, he should remain a valuable reliever for fantasy managers to roster. Taylor is averaging 98.3 miles per hour on his fastball and has posted a 34.9% strikeout rate and a 26.4% K-BB rate. In leagues where he is available on the waiver wire, Taylor profiles as a must-add pitcher.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colson Montgomery Returning From Shin Injury on Monday
Chicago White Sox infielder Colson Montgomery (shin) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup for the White Sox in Monday's series opener at home against the visiting New York Yankees and left-hander Max Fried, per MLB.com. Montgomery missed Sunday's series finale against the Houston Astros after fouling a ball off his right shin again on Saturday, but he's back in action after a day off and will have a tough matchup against the lefty Fried, whom he has gone 2-for-3 against in his career. The 24-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2021 is one of the best young power bats in baseball, although he strikes out 31.9% of the time and is batting just .218 (80-for-367) on the year. Montgomery has actually hit better against lefties in 2026, going 29-for-114 (.254) against them with eight of his 24 home runs on the season, but he has also struggled to a .206 average (14-for-68) with a .614 OPS, three homers, two doubles, 10 RBI, eight runs scored, four walks, and 23 strikeouts in 17 games so far in July. DFS managers should definitely be looking to fade Montgomery for Monday's matchup against Fried.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Munetaka Murakami Snaps Skid With Two Homers Against Astros
Chicago White Sox corner infielder Munetaka Murakami broke out of a funk at the plate in a big way in Sunday's 12-3 blowout win over the visiting Houston Astros. Murakami went 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, six RBI, and three runs scored to boost his season batting average to .239 and his OPS to .921. The 26-year-old left-handed-hitting Japanese slugger was hitting .184 (7-for-38) in 11 games in July since coming off the injured list before his big performance in Sunday's series finale. He's now slashing .239/.378/.543 in his first major-league season with 22 home runs, 48 RBI, 53 runs scored, and a stolen base in 69 games across 299 plate appearances. Murakami has recorded hits in each of his last three games, so fantasy managers are hoping that he is ready to turn things around as we head into August. His power looks to be for real, and he's also walking 18.1% of the time, but he will not be a reliable source of batting average with his 32.4% strikeout rate. He has also struggled mightily against southpaws, batting .194 (14-for-72) against them with only four of his 22 homers and a 33:16 K:BB.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
White Sox Acquire Jose Urquidy
The Chicago White Sox acquired right-handed pitcher Jose Urquidy from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. In exchange, the Pirates will receive right-handed pitcher Felix Doroteo. Urquidy hasn't seen much action in the big leagues over the last few years. He made five relief appearances for the Pirates, but was shelled for 10 earned runs. Since then, Urquidy owns a 3.66 ERA, with a 73/18 K/BB ratio across 83.2 innings as a starting pitcher with Triple-A Indianapolis. This isn't the blockbuster trade deadline move that'll save the White Sox's season, but it's something. The expectation is that Urquidy will head to Triple-A and serve as depth.
Source: Mark Feinsand
Source: Mark Feinsand
Colson Montgomery Out on Sunday With Shin Injury
Chicago White Sox infielder Colson Montgomery (shin) is not in the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Houston Astros after fouling a ball off his shin on Saturday in the ninth inning, according to MLB.com. Luisangel Acuna will make the start at the 6 and will bat eighth against Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco. It's the second time in the last week that Montgomery has fouled a ball off his shin, causing him to miss time. We'll consider him day-to-day for now. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Monday to see if the left-handed slugger is ready to play in the series finale against the visiting New York Yankees. The 24-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2021 is hitting just .218 (80-for-367) with a 31.9% strikeout rate in his first full year in the big leagues, but he's rostered in 90% of Yahoo leagues because of his power upside (24 home runs in 98 games played in 2026). In 17 games (73 plate appearances) so far in July, Montgomery has gone just 14-for-68 (.206) with three home runs, two doubles, 10 RBI, eight runs, four walks, and 23 strikeouts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sean Burke Continues Strong Stretch With 10 Strikeouts on Saturday
Chicago White Sox right-hander Sean Burke continued to pitch well despite the White Sox taking a 4-1 loss on Saturday to the visiting Houston Astros. In six innings on the mound, Burke allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits while walking one and striking out 10, and was hit with his fifth loss of the year. The 26-year-old has had double-digit strikeouts in two of his last four starts, which have all been quality starts for his fantasy managers. The former third-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Maryland is now 7-5 on the year with a 3.19 ERA (3.43 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 130 strikeouts and 35 walks in 118 1/3 innings across 21 appearances (17 starts) in his third year in the majors. Burke needs just four more strikeouts to set a career high in that category. He's rostered in 78% of Yahoo leagues, but he's deserving of more attention with his uptick in strikeouts. Burke has eight-plus strikeouts in five of his last seven outings. He'll have a tough matchup on deck against the New York Yankees, although the Bombers have the fifth-most strikeouts in the big leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hagen Smith Working his Way Back From Injury
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith has made two outings since returning from the injured list at Triple-A Charlotte. In those two outings, the left-hander has lasted one and two innings, respectively, as he makes his way back from a left-shoulder impingement. Smith gave up just one earned run in his last two appearances combined. He walked three batters in his first time back out since his injury and lasted just one inning. Control has been an issue for Smith despite his good numbers overall this season. In 55 innings this season, Smith has 82 strikeouts. He only has a 1-6 record this season with a 4.58 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. Smith is the No. 2 overall prospect for the White Sox and has two 60-grade pitches in his fastball and slider. If Smith can work his way back from his shoulder injury, he would be a welcome addition to the White Sox roster down the stretch
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Sam Antonacci's Five-Category Value Makes Him a Must-Add
Chicago White Sox infielder/outfielder Sam Antonacci has already made himself useful across all five standard fantasy categories. He is batting .278/.370/.408 with seven home runs, 30 RBI, 52 runs, and 13 stolen bases through 284 at-bats. The power is not a carrying tool, but it does not have to be when Antonacci is reaching base, running, and scoring this often. His .287 expected average and 15.5% strikeout rate also support the batting-average contribution. Antonacci has continued to lead off while moving between second base and left field, and Yahoo eligibility at second base, third base, and outfield makes him easy to fit into a fantasy lineup. He is still sitting on the waiver wire in 54% of Yahoo leagues. RotoBaller ranks him 27th among its current waiver options and recommends him for leagues of 10 teams or deeper. Antonacci should be treated as a must-add wherever his blend of average, speed, runs, and positional flexibility is still available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bryan Hudson Earns Save for White Sox, Remains Deep-League Target in Committee
Chicago White Sox left-hander Bryan Hudson picked up his fourth save of the season on Wednesday, throwing a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts in his team's 4-2 win over the Texas Rangers. It was Hudson's first save since June 10, as the White Sox continue to operate a closer committee between Hudson, Sean Newcomb, and Grant Taylor. Still, Hudson has been a very effective reliever in 2026, recording a 3-2 record with a 2.08 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts across 43 1/3 innings (44 games). The 29-year-old owns a middling 23.2% strikeout rate, but he's allowed just one home run on the year. In deeper leagues, Hudson could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a source of solid ratios who also provides the occasional save.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Colson Montgomery Returns From Shin Injury on Wednesday
Chicago White Sox infielder Colson Montgomery (shin) is starting at shortstop and is batting cleanup for the White Sox in Wednesday's contest at Globe Life Field against the Texas Rangers and left-hander Tyler Alexander, per MLB.com. Montgomery fouled a ball off his right shin in Monday's series opener in Texas, which is why he was scratched from the starting nine before Tuesday's loss. The 24-year-old left-handed slugger is now back in action and should be returned to most fantasy lineups for his power. The former 22nd overall pick in 2021 has a 32.4% strikeout rate and is hitting just .222 (79-for-356) with a .304 on-base percentage, but fantasy managers can't argue with his 45 home runs in his first 166 big-league games since debuting with the Pale Hose in 2025. Montgomery has hit 24 homers, driven in 57, and scored 48 runs across 95 games and 398 plate appearances this year in his first full season in the majors. In 14 games so far in July, he's gone 13-for-57 (.228) with a .688 OPS, three homers, two doubles, eight RBI, eight runs, three walks, and 21 strikeouts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hagen Smith's Command Woes Persist, but 2026 MLB Debut Still Likely
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith returned to action on Sunday, coming out of the bullpen for one inning of relief for Triple-A Charlotte. While the lefty struck out two batters in the inning, he also allowed a hit and yielded three walks, so there are still some improvements to be made. Chicago's top pitching prospect missed over a month with a left shoulder impingement, but had been struggling to find consistency, and the command has been a problem all year. The southpaw owned a 2.82 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over his first seven starts, but those numbers ballooned to 6.16 and 1.60, respectively, over the last seven, with nearly a 17 percent walk rate in both halves. Even so, the strikeout rate sits in the 93rd percentile, so if he can make some refinements, a debut in the second half is well within reach. As such, the 22-year-old is still probably one of the more promising arms to stash in most fantasy leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Caleb Bonemer Still Trending Upward as He Settles in at Double-A
Chicago White Sox infield prospect Caleb Bonemer was promoted to Double-A Birmingham in mid-June and is holding his own despite being one of the younger players at that level. The 20-year-old is slashing .250/.365/.409 with four home runs and three steals in 24 games, although the bulk of that production has come in the last 12 games alone. During that 12-game stretch, Chicago's top-ranked prospect is hitting .302 with all four of his home runs (including one in his latest game on Tuesday) and two of his three steals coming in that span, so he certainly appears to be getting more comfortable there. There has also been a notable drop in strikeout rate upon his promotion, with the right-handed hitter going from a 29.1 percent K% at High-A to a more palatable 23.1 percent K% at Double-A. The former second-round draft pick's stock has increased quite a bit year-over-year, with the 6-foot-1 slugger moving from No. 11 to No. 1 in Chicago's system and from outside the top 100 per MLB Pipeline to No. 16 overall. Though a major league debut likely won't come until sometime next season at the earliest, with a solid all-around skill set, he's become a coveted dynasty asset.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
