José

Urquidy

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.

Unfortunately, the White Sox were already down 4-0 after Jordan Hicks gave up three runs in the first and Tyler Gilbert allowed one run in the third. Urquidy did his part, but the White Sox offense never got back into the game. With Davis Martin having rejoined the rotation, the White Sox no longer need both Urquidy and Erick Fedde starting or bulking in separate games. Perhaps the two could piggyback against the Twins on Friday, but the team is probably best off playing it by ear.

Urquidy was coming off his best outing since Tommy John last Wednesday against the Cubs, but nothing much went right tonight. The first inning saw him throw 38 pitches, the highest total of his career, and give up two runs. In all, he threw 93 pitches to get nine outs, walking four and plunking two in the process. The White Sox have Thursday off, so they don’t need to start both Erick Fedde and Urquidy this weekend. Based on tonight, Fedde might be the better bet to face the Twins.

Sean Newcomb, Urquidy and Grant Taylor combined on a two-hitter today. Urquidy faced just one over the minimum in his best outing since elbow surgery. His previous eight-strikeout game came way back on Sept. 4, 2022. The excellent showing should ensure that he’ll pitch again as a starter or as a bulk guy Monday against the Rays.

With Davis Martin on the IL and Noah Schultz back in the minors, the White Sox currently have just three true rotation pitchers in Sean Burke, Luis Castillo and Anthony Kay. After Castillo starts Monday, they’ll rely heavily on the pen in the final two games of their series against the Cubs. With Thursday off, they could then perhaps split up their bulk-guy days next time through the rotation.

Urquidy struck out three batters on the night and didn’t issue a base on balls. He took over in the second inning after Sean Newcomb recorded the first four outs and Urquidy served up a two-run blast to Ben Malgeri before the inning was through. He gave up just one run the rest of the way though, allowing the White Sox’ offense to do the work for him to earn him a win. He now sports a miserable 8.10 ERA, 2.20 WHIP and a 9/2 K/BB ratio over 10 innings with the White Sox this season.

Urquidy was lit up as a long reliever this year with the Pirates, but has a 3.48 ERA in 20 Triple-A starts between Indianapolis and Charlotte. It’s possible he gets another chance in the rotation (or as a bulk reliever) with the Sox losing Davis Martin to the injured list.

Urquidy, who spent most of last year working his way back from Tommy John, made the Pirates out of spring training this year, only to lose his spot after giving up 10 runs — six earned — in 6 1/3 innings over five relief appearances. He’d since posted a 3.66 ERA with a 73/18 K/BB in 83 2/3 innings as a starter for Triple-A Indianapolis. According to SoxMachine’s James Fegan, Urquidy will likely go to Triple-A for now.

Right-hander Felix Doroteo will be the return, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Urquidy had been at Triple-A since mid-April before being removed from the Pirates’ 40-man on Friday. The White Sox could be looking at him as a fifth starter or middle reliever.

The Pirates needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster to make room for Shawn Ross on Friday and unfortunately Urquidy drew the short straw this time around. The 31-year-old hurler has made five appearances with the Pirates this season, posting an uninspiring 8.53 ERA, 2.68 WHIP and a 6/2 K/BB ratio over 6 1/3 innings of work. Even with his struggles this season, there’s a chance that he could generate interest on waivers.