The White Sox called up top pitching prospects Tanner McDougal and Hagen Smith on Saturday to provide immediate help to the bullpen as the American Central League race tightens.
Both pitchers are expected to be starters long-term, but the White Sox have recently converted them to relief pitchers at Triple-A Charlotte so they could make an immediate impact this season.
Left-hander Smith is the number two prospect in the White Sox organization and No. 51 overall according to MLB Pipeline. The team’s first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and fifth overall selection, Smith had a 4.32 ERA at Charlotte over 20 appearances (14 starts).
Since returning July 19 from the seven-day injured List with left shoulder impingement syndrome, Smith, 22, has a 1-1 record with a 1.42 ERA, giving up four walks while picking up one save and adding 10 strikeouts in six relief appearances.
Right-hander McDougal is the fourth-ranked prospect in the White Sox system. The 22-year-old is 0-1 with a 2.86 ERA with 40 strikeouts over 15 appearances (six starts) this season in Charlotte.
Similarly to Smith, after returning from a stint on the injured list with a right elbow strain, he moved to the bullpen and notched a 2.53 ERA with a .158 (6-38) opponents average and 13 strikeouts over nine relief appearances.
In corresponding moves, the White Sox optioned right-handed pitcher David Sandlin and left-hander Noah Schultz to Triple-A Charlotte and designated righty Wikelman González for assignment.
After a fourth straight loss Friday night, this one a 8-2 setback vs. the Cleveland Guardians, the White Sox are still atop the AL Central standings, but the Guardians and the Minnesota Twins are only two back, and the Detroit Tigers are not so far behind at 3 1/2 back.
The White Sox face the Guardians tonight at home at 7:15 p.m. with lefty Anthony Kay (8-5, 4.01 ERA) taking the mound for Chicago and righty Gavin Williams (11-6, 3.56 ERA) starting for Cleveland.
