CHICAGO, Illinois, USA — The Chicago White Sox have called up top pitching prospects Hagen Smith and Tanner McDougal to strengthen their bullpen as the American League Central race tightens. Both pitchers are viewed as starters for the long term but have recently transitioned to relief roles at Triple-A Charlotte to provide immediate help to Chicago.
- Top prospects promoted: Hagen Smith and Tanner McDougal have been called up by the White Sox.
- Bullpen roles: Both pitchers have recently worked as relievers at Triple-A Charlotte despite being projected as future starters.
- Smith’s recent form: He has a 1.42 ERA since returning from the injured list on July 19.
- AL Central race: Chicago remains atop the division, but Cleveland and Minnesota are two games back, with Detroit 3 1/2 games behind.
White Sox turn to highly rated pitching prospects
The White Sox promoted Smith and McDougal on Saturday as the club looks for additional pitching help during a closely contested division race. Their recent experience out of the bullpen at Charlotte has prepared both prospects for immediate relief work in Chicago.
Although each pitcher is expected to become a starter eventually, the organization has temporarily moved them into relief roles to allow them to contribute at the major-league level this season.
Hagen Smith brings strong recent numbers
Smith, a 22-year-old left-hander, is ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the White Sox organization and No. 51 overall by MLB Pipeline.
The White Sox selected Smith with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft. He posted a 4.32 ERA over 20 appearances, including 14 starts, for Charlotte this season.
His numbers improved significantly after returning from the injured list on July 19 following treatment for left shoulder impingement syndrome. Smith has gone 1-1 with a 1.42 ERA in six relief appearances since returning, allowing four walks while recording 10 strikeouts and one save.
McDougal also moves into White Sox bullpen
McDougal, a 22-year-old right-hander, is ranked the fourth-best prospect in the White Sox system. He has posted a 0-1 record with a 2.86 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 15 appearances, including six starts, for Charlotte this season.
Like Smith, McDougal moved into a relief role after returning from the injured list. He had been sidelined with a right elbow strain before transitioning to the bullpen.
In nine relief appearances following his return, McDougal recorded a 2.53 ERA while holding opposing hitters to a .158 batting average, going 6-for-38 against him and recording 13 strikeouts.
White Sox make corresponding roster moves
Chicago made several corresponding moves to accommodate the two pitching prospects. Right-hander David Sandlin and left-hander Noah Schultz were optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.
The White Sox also designated right-handed pitcher Wikelman González for assignment as part of the roster changes.
White Sox face pressure in AL Central race
The promotions come at a critical point in Chicago’s season. The White Sox remain at the top of the American League Central standings but have seen their advantage shrink following a fourth consecutive loss.
Chicago’s latest defeat came Friday night against the Cleveland Guardians, who won 8-2. Cleveland and the Minnesota Twins are now two games behind the White Sox, while the Detroit Tigers trail by 3 1/2 games.
The increasingly tight standings have increased the importance of Chicago’s pitching depth as the team attempts to maintain its position in the division.
White Sox and Guardians set for another meeting
Chicago and Cleveland are scheduled to meet again at the White Sox’s home stadium at 7:15 p.m. Chicago left-hander Anthony Kay is scheduled to start for the White Sox with an 8-5 record and a 4.01 ERA.
The Guardians are set to counter with right-hander Gavin Williams, who enters with an 11-6 record and a 3.56 ERA.
What Smith and McDougal could bring
Smith and McDougal arrive with recent experience working out of the bullpen, even though both remain projected as starting pitchers in the longer term. Their transition gives Chicago two highly regarded young arms capable of providing relief innings while the club navigates a competitive division race.
For Smith, his 1.42 ERA since returning from injury provides a strong recent statistical foundation. McDougal’s 2.53 ERA and .158 opponents’ average in his nine relief appearances also point to effective work in his temporary bullpen role.
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