Chicago White Sox Seek Pitching Boost

The Chicago White Sox need to address their starting rotation, with a 45-40 record and 2nd place standing in the American League as of July 2, 2026.

What's the current state of the rotation?

The White Sox pitching has been just good enough to help the team reach a 1.0-game lead in the AL Central, but uncompetitive pitching has held them back at times.

The team's top three starting pitchers, Davis Martin, Sean Burke, and Anthony Kay, have never thrown 150 innings in a professional season in the United States.

Who are the forgotten pitchers?

Right-handers Shane Smith and Tanner McDougal are beginning rehab assignments from injury and could soon work their way back onto the MLB roster.

Smith was an MLB All-Star as a rookie in 2025, but has struggled this season, posting a 10.80 ERA in just three starts before being optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.

What's the potential impact?

Adding an arm like Smith's to the rotation after the trade deadline could provide exactly the boost the White Sox pitching staff needs, especially with the team's strong offense, which ranks second in MLB in home runs.

The White Sox lost 6-1 to the Baltimore Orioles on July 1, 2026, and are on a L1 streak, highlighting the need for improved pitching.

Smith and McDougal are scheduled to pitch for the High-A Winston-Salem Dash, with Smith expected to throw two innings and McDougal one, as they begin their rehab assignments.

The White Sox's overall success has turned what would normally be a disastrous storyline into a forgotten subplot of the 2026 season, but now that Smith is healthy again, he could become a significant weapon for the team down the stretch.