RADIO
Davis Martin Hindered by Calf Injury This Year
Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz said on Wednesday that right-hander Davis Martin (calf) was hindered by right-calf discomfort in 2026, according to James Fegan of The Athletic. "I think it's very clear that he was hindered and wasn't himself," Getz said. Martin said that he battled calf issues off and on since April. The 29-year-old finished the year going 9-8 overall with a career-best 3.95 ERA (3.83 FIP), and 1.31 WHIP with a career-best 122 strikeouts and 46 walks in 146 innings pitched over 29 appearances (28 starts). Martin's calf injury apparently bothered him more as the season progressed, as he had a sharp 2.00 ERA with 71 strikeouts and 14 walks in his first 67 2/3 innings before sporting an ERA closer to 6.00 with 51 strikeouts and 32 walks in 78 1/3 innings pitched to close out the year. The White Sox did not trust him enough to use him as a starter during the postseason, as Martin pitched just one inning out of the bullpen and gave up two runs. With extended rest during the offseason, Martin should come into spring training in 2027 fully healthy and ready to bounce back.
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Sean Burke to Start Game 5 on Saturday Night for Chicago
Chicago White Sox right-hander Sean Burke will make the start in Game 5 of the American League Division Series on Saturday night in Cleveland against the division-rival Guardians, manager Will Venable told Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Burke will be opposed by Cleveland right-hander Gavin Williams. The 26-year-old Burke went 11-7 with a 3.34 ERA (3.62 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with a career-high 185 strikeouts and 62 walks in 172 1/3 regular-season innings across 32 outings (27 starts) in his second full season in the big leagues. The former third-rounder in 2021 from Maryland allowed three earned runs with three home runs allowed, no walks, and eight strikeouts in a no-decision in Game 2 of the Wild-Card Series against the Houston Astros on Sept. 30, and then gave up just one earned run with one walk and six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings for a win in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Guardians. Burke was great against Cleveland in three appearances (two starts) during the regular season, allowing three runs (two earned) with three walks and 21 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings pitched. The White Sox are hoping his dominance against the Guards continues to help send them to the AL Championship Series to face the Tampa Bay Rays.
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Hagen Smith Opening Game 4 of ALDS on Thursday
Chicago White Sox rookie left-hander Hagen Smith will serve as the opener in Game 4 of the American League Division Series on Thursday at home against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. The 23-year-old former fifth overall pick in 2024 from the University of Arkansas made 18 appearances (only one start) in his major-league debut during the 2026 regular season, posting a nice 1.29 ERA (2.35 FIP) and 0.96 WHIP with 41 strikeouts and 16 walks in 28 innings pitched. The talented young southpaw has already thrown 6 1/3 innings in his first experience in the playoffs, too, allowing just one earned run on three hits while walking five and striking out six. He started Game 1 of the ALDS against Cleveland and threw 2 2/3 shutout innings with three walks and four strikeouts in the team's 3-0 victory before allowing a run with two walks and a strikeout in two-thirds of an inning in Wednesday's Game 3 loss. Smith will probably have a short leash as the White Sox try to close out the best-of-five series, with right-hander Erick Fedde potentially piggybacking Smith in Chicago. In three relief appearances against the Guardians during the regular season, Smith allowed two earned runs with six walks and eight strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings pitched.
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Sean Burke Earns Game 2 Win in Bulk-Relief Appearance on Monday
Chicago White Sox right-hander Sean Burke was one of the heroes of his team's 4-3 win over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Monday. Normally a starting pitcher, Burke entered the game out of the bullpen in the third inning and dominated, allowing just one hit, one walk, and one earned run while striking out six across 5 1/3 innings of work. Burke was a breakout arm for the White Sox during the regular season, recording an 11-7 record with a 3.34 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 185 strikeouts across 172 1/3 innings (32 games). The 26-year-old allowed three solo home runs in his first postseason appearance against the Houston Astros, but he's now logged 14 strikeouts in 9 1/3 playoff innings. Given his success on Monday, the White Sox could choose to continue using an opener in front of Burke in future postseason outings.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Hagen Smith Will Start Game 1 For White Sox in ALDS
Left-handed pitcher Hagen Smith will get the ball in Game 1 for the Chicago White Sox as they open their series against the Cleveland Guardians. Smith started a game in the opening series at Houston and pitched three quality innings with two hits allowed, no walks, and one strikeout. That's just about the perfect scenario for the White Sox as they are counting on Smith as an opener. Three strong inning would help get to the White Sox' bullpen and allow them to bridge the gap to the late innings. Smith was used mostly as a reliever during the regular season and only started one game. He pitched 28 innings and allowed 11 hits, walking 16 for a 0.96 WHIP to go with his 1.29 ERA during the regular season. Smith looks like a bonafide weapon for the White Sox in the postseason and they could vary how they use him. As the opener they will most likely look for 3+ strong innings once again in Game 1.
Source: Chicago White Sox
Source: Chicago White Sox
Hagen Smith Set to Start Game 1 of Wild-Card Series Against Astros
Chicago White Sox left-hander Hagen Smith will be his team's starter in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, per Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Smith worked almost exclusively as a reliever after making his MLB debut on August 9, so he will likely be the first man up in a bullpen game for Chicago. The 23-year-old was extremely effective for the White Sox during the regular season, recording a 3-3 record with a 1.29 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts across 28 innings (18 games). Smith posted an elevated 14.5% walk rate, but he also struck out 37.3% of the batters he faced. Throwing Smith as the opener assures that Astros lefty slugger Yordan Alvarez has a tough at-bat in his first plate appearance of the game, which is likely a big part of the strategy for Chicago.
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
White Sox Place Luis Castillo on Injured List With Shoulder Impingement
The Chicago White Sox announced on Thursday that they placed right-hander Luis Castillo (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with a right-shoulder impingement and recalled right-hander Tyler Davis from Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move. The White Sox had recently sent Castillo to the bullpen, but he did not fare any better there, posting a 13.50 ERA in three relief appearances after recording a 7.52 ERA in his final six starts of the year. The 33-year-old veteran Dominican will finish his 2026 regular season with a 4-11 record, 5.85 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 112 strikeouts, and 44 walks in 130 2/3 innings across 29 appearances (23 starts) with both the White Sox and Seattle Mariners. Castillo was much worse in his nine outings (six starts) with the White Sox, recording an 8.42 ERA, 1.81 WHIP, and 26:12 K:BB in 31 innings. He will be eligible to return for the American League Division Series in the playoffs, but we have most likely seen the last of Castillo with the White Sox this year.
Source: Chicago White Sox
Source: Chicago White Sox
Luis Castillo Moving to the Bullpen
Chicago White Sox veteran right-hander Luis Castillo has been moved to the bullpen, manager Will Venable told Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Castillo, who was acquired by the White Sox from the Seattle Mariners at this year's trade deadline, has really struggled since joining the team, going 1-2 with a 7.76 ERA (6.30 FIP) and 1.79 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and 11 walks in 29 innings pitched across his seven appearances (six starts). The 33-year-old Dominican hurler has allowed 17 earned runs on 26 hits (five home runs) while walking seven and striking out nine in his last 13 1/3 innings pitched for Chicago since Aug. 22. Castillo just has not been good and will now finish out the 2026 campaign as a reliever for the Pale Hose as they look to close out the American League Central division. Overall this year, Castillo has gone 4-11 with a career-worst 5.67 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 111:43 K:BB in 128 2/3 innings pitched in 27 outings (23 starts) with the M's and White Sox.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Sean Burke Gets Start Moved to Tuesday
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke had his scheduled start against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday moved to Tuesday, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Instead of facing the Twins this weekend, the White Sox have decided they'd rather have Burke pitch against the Pirates on Tuesday. The team has yet to name a starter for Sunday's series finale against the Twins. Since the All-Star break, Burke owns a 2.76 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 52/21 K/BB ratio across nearly 50 innings of work. The White Sox may be trying to limit his workload over the final month of the season.
Source: Scott Merkin
Source: Scott Merkin
White Sox Call Up Pitching Prospect Tanner McDougal on Tuesday
With rosters expanding on Tuesday, the Chicago White Sox called up right-handed pitching prospect Tanner McDougal from Triple-A Charlotte, according to the team. The 23-year-old former fifth-round selection in 2021 made his major-league debut for the Pale Hose on Aug. 13 against the Cincinnati Reds and allowed an earned run on three walks in just one-third of an inning. The team's seventh-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline, went 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 47:27 K:BB in 41 1/3 innings pitched across 22 outings (six starts) for High-A Winston-Salem and Charlotte this year. The 6-foot-5, 185-pounder has not exactly been dominant in the minors in 2026, so he is unlikely to have anything more than a low-leverage role out of the bullpen for the White Sox in his return to the Show in the final month of the regular season. McDougal does feature a high-90s fastball that touches triple digits, and he really knows how to spin his breaking pitches. The pure stuff is intriguing, but McDougal still needs plenty of refinement with his command and control.
Source: Chicago White Sox
Source: Chicago White Sox
Bryan Hudson Enters the Closer Mix in Chicago
Chicago White Sox left-handed reliever Bryan Hudson struck out a batter in a perfect ninth inning on Saturday in the win over the division-rival Detroit Tigers for his fifth save of the season and his first since July 22. In his first full season with the White Sox, Hudson has gone 3-4 with a 3.14 ERA (2.87 FIP), 1.28 WHIP, and a 50:17 K:BB in 51 2/3 innings pitched across 54 appearances (six starts). The 29-year-old southpaw is part of a crowded committee situation for saves in Chicago, with Grant Taylor, Sean Newcomb, and Jordan Hicks also involved. Newcomb picked up the save for the Pale Hose on Sunday, and Taylor leads the back end of the bullpen with six saves on the year. So far in six appearances out of the bullpen in August, Hudson has allowed three earned runs on seven hits while walking none and striking out six for one save and two holds. He is probably more attractive in holds leagues, but fantasy managers desperate for saves in deeper formats could also give him a look. Hudson is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Grant Taylor has Clearer Path to Saves the Rest of the Way
Chicago White Sox right-handed reliever Grant Taylor has a much clearer path to saves the rest of the way in Chicago after the White Sox traded Seranthony Dominguez to the Seattle Mariners at this year's deadline earlier in the month. Taylor blew a save in his last outing on Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds, but he remains the best bet for save opportunities in Chicago going forward, and fantasy managers who are looking for saves in deeper leagues should take notice. Taylor actually has not given up a run since July 2, when he blew a save and took a loss against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians. Since then, he has thrown 16 2/3 scoreless innings with six walks, 16 strikeouts, four saves, and three holds in 11 appearances. On the year, the 24-year-old has produced a solid 4-2 record, 2.20 ERA (2.35 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, six saves, 80 strikeouts, and 20 walks in 61 1/3 innings pitched across 44 appearances (four starts). Taylor needs one more save for a new career high in just his second year in the big leagues with the Pale Hose. He's rostered in only 29% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Pitching Prospect Tanner McDougal Getting the Call From the White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are calling up right-handed pitching prospect Tanner McDougal from Triple-A Charlotte, according to The Athletic's James Fegan. McDougal earned his first big-league call-up after going 1-1 with a 3.44 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 44:21 K:BB in 36 2/3 innings pitched across 17 appearances (six starts) with High-A Winston-Salem and Charlotte. The 23-year-old began his pro career as a starter, but he has since been moved to a relief role after suffering a forearm injury last month. Like left-handed prospect Hagen Smith, who is also being called up from Charlotte, McDougal will most likely work in a relief role in his first taste of the big leagues, limiting his fantasy baseball value to deep dynasty/keeper leagues as a stash. McDougal, a former fifth-rounder in 2021, posted a 2.86 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with Charlotte, but he has surrendered six runs in 8 2/3 frames down on the farm since returning from his forearm injury. Smith is the much better prospect stash with more starting-pitching upside in the long-term.
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
White Sox Calling Up Top Pitching Prospect Hagen Smith to the Majors
The Chicago White Sox are calling up left-handed pitching prospect Hagen Smith from Triple-A Charlotte, according to James Fegan of The Athletic. Smith, who is considered the team's No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, will get the call for the first time after going 1-6 with a 4.32 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 87:40 K:BB in 58 1/3 innings pitched across 20 appearances (14 starts) at Triple-A Charlotte in 2026. The White Sox moved Smith to the bullpen last month, and since then, he's been much more effective, giving up just one run while striking out 10 in 6 1/3 innings pitched. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound southpaw, who was a former fifth overall pick in 2024 from the University of Arkansas, has a bright future, but for the rest of the year in the majors, he's expected to pitch in a relief role for the Pale Hose. That means that fantasy managers in redraft leagues can most likely ignore Smith off the waiver wire. He's currently rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues. Smith has mostly relied on a fastball/slider combination, and he may need to develop a strong third pitch to have long-term upside as a starter in the big leagues.
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Source: The Athletic - James Fegan
Hagen Smith Works in Relief Over Last Five Outings at Triple-A
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith worked one out in relief in his latest outing for Triple-A Charlotte. Since he returned from the IL on July 19, Smith has worked solely in relief and hasn't started a game in his last five appearances. Saturday was his shortest outing in relief since his return as he has lasted at least 1 inning in each of his other four appearances. In his relief outings, he has only allowed one earned run in 5 1/3 innings pitched. The switch to relief in Triple-A could foreshadow a similar move at the big-league level. Smith is a high-strikeout pitcher with 86 strikeouts this season in 57 1/3 innings pitched. That could make him ideal for a high-leverage relief role with the White Sox if given the opportunity. That might not be ideal for fantasy but it is worth monitoring what the White Sox want to do with Smith for the rest of this season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
