White Sox to call up Hagen Smith, Tanner McDougal

Sandlin was perfect for 5 1/3 innings before giving up back-to-back singles. He rebounded to strike out Bryan Torres and then got a potential inning-ending grounder that was booted by Colson Montgomery. Chris Murphy replaced him and gave up a three-run double to Alec Burleson, turning Sandlin’s best outing as a major leaguer into his second loss. Sandlin struck out five and walked none. It sounded like the plan was for him to return to the minors after this, but he certainly made a case to stick around and get another start versus the Tigers next weekend.

The 25-year-old hurler has made five appearances (three starts) for the White Sox this season, posting an uninspiring 6.93 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and a 24/12 K/BB ratio over 24 2/3 innings. He’ll add a fresh arm capable of working multiple innings to a White Sox’ bullpen that has been taxed recently.

Smith threw three innings for the first time in a scoreless outing Sunday against the Pirates, but that only took him 35 pitches. His high pitch count as a major leaguer was 48 over two innings in his debut on Aug. 9. So, one imagines the White Sox will be very happy if he can get through three again Thursday, Two is probably the better bet. Erick Fedde will be available to go long behind him.

Bryan Hudson, Jordan Hicks, Smith, Grant Taylor and Tyler Davis combined to limit the Twins to one run and strike out 15 batters. Smith got four of the strikeouts in his longest major league outing to date. It was surprising to see him pitch a third inning, given that he just threw two innings on Friday, but he was quite efficient in throwing 35 pitches. In part because of Smith’s success, José Urquidy never pitched in the game, though he probably would have if the White Sox had known they’d score eight runs between the sixth and the eighth to turn it into a rout.

McDougal has not appeared in an MLB game since August 13th. He has been moved to a bullpen role as he recovers from a forearm injury that sidelined him for almost three months earlier this season. He likely remains a starting pitching option long-term for the White Sox.

McDougal struggled in his one appearance for the White Sox earlier this season. The 23-year-old has been in a bullpen role this year as he recovers from injury, posting a 4.12 ERA in 39 1/3 innings at Triple-A. He figures to move back into a starting role in the offseason.

He threw 25 pitches and recorded one out while walking three and hitting a batter yesterday. McDougal’s future is still promising, but the White Sox needed a fresh arm.

Smith, who was selected fifth overall in 2024, got the call with the White Sox in need of some fresh arms this weekend. The southpaw came in handy after a lengthy rain delay interrupted Davis Martin’s start. Smith threw just 25 out of his 49 pitches for strikes, so the control was shaky, but he also didn’t allow a hit and struck out three. Smith is unlikely to provide fantasy value in the short-term, but it was a memorable debut for the 22-year-old.

Smith is ostensibly up with Chicago as emergency long relief depth behind veteran starters Anthony Kay and Davis Martin for the remainder of their weekend against the Guardians after a mistake by manager Will Venable forced Noah Schultz to exit after just 23 pitches on Friday night. The 22-year-old southpaw was selected fifth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft and misses bats at an incredible rate, thanks to a wicked slider that comes at hitters from a three-quarters arm slot. He remains a project from a mechanics and arsenal development standpoint, which leaves some questions regarding his ultimate role. He misses enough bats to matter for fantasy purposes, whether he sticks as a starter or winds up in the bullpen down the road. His odds of making a significant fantasy impact right away are extremely long.

McDougal has made a significant leap from a development standpoint thanks to noticeably improved command and control over the last two years. The 23-year-old has compiled a strong 2.84 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 40/20 K/BB ratio across 34 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level this season. He gets the call to the big leagues as emergency relief depth behind veterans Anthony Kay and Davis Martin after a misstep by White Sox manager Will Venable forced the club into an unexpected bullpen game against the Guardians on Friday night. He’s unlikely to deliver an immediate fantasy impact, but he’s an interesting pitching prospect that needs to be monitored.