Sean

Burke

Burke delivered for Chicago in one of their most important games of the season, working into the late innings as a bulk reliever after Sean Newcomb worked a scoreless opening frame. He struck out four and only issued two walks. It was a much-needed bounce-back effort after getting tagged for seven runs over 1 1/3 innings by the Pirates his last time out. He’ll get the ball against the division-rival Tigers on Saturday.

Burke was lit up for seven runs in 1 1/3 innings last time out, so the White Sox will try something a little different. It’ll be Burke’s first time pitching behind an opener since June 18.

Pitching on six days’ rest did Burke no good. The average ball in play against him tonight left the bat at 100.1 mph. Unfortunately, Burke’s stuff peaked in June and July, and he a 5.68 ERA in seven starts since the beginning of August. He’s due to make his next start Sunday against the Cardinals, but we’ll have to wait and see if that ends up happening. José Urquidy would be lined up to pitch then if the White Sox want to back off Burke.

Burke was outstanding on Tuesday in Houston, holding the Astros scoreless into the sixth. He allowed just one hit and walked four batters while collecting six strikeouts, falling one out short of completing six frames at 104 pitches. The 26-year-old right-hander will take an excellent 3.20 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 167/54 K/BB ratio across 154 2/3 innings into a start against the Twins in Chicago on Sunday.

That month when Burke looked like an ace sure was fun. Still, walking eight and allowing only two runs is some kind of accomplishment; the last pitcher to do it was Mitch Keller in 2020. Though just lasting long enough to walk eight is hard enough to accomplish these days; Cole Ragans in May was the only other pitcher to walk eight this year or last. Burke has given up 10 runs over 13 1/3 innings in his last three starts, and with his velocity spike having gone away, he’s no longer an every-week option in mixed leagues. He’ll face the Astros next time out.

Burke looked unbeatable for a time in July after a velocity spike, but that extra boost is gone now and he has a 4.57 ERA in his last four starts. He’s still playable in mixed leagues, but expectations should be fairly modest. He’ll work at home against the Rangers next week.

Burke was phenomenal in his start against the Reds on Tuesday with seven innings of one-run baseball. This outing wouldn’t be described as that, as he didn’t fool the Detroit lineup, issued three walks, struck out just two and gave up a homer. It’s a disappointing start, but the 26-year-old has earned a clunker or two with an ERA still at 3.15 on the season. He’ll get a chance to rebound Friday against the Mets.

Burke did what he did, Nick Lodolo allowed three homers and four runs in four innings. Both got no-decisions. Baseball is very fair. It was an outstanding start for the 26-year-old, but the bullpen blew a 4-1 lead to prevent Burke from picking up the victory. He allowed just a solo homer to Eugenio Suárez while striking out eight and not issuing a walk. Burke has been outstanding for most of 2026, and he’ll get a chance to keep it going over the weekend versus the Tigers in Detroit.

Burke gave up five hits, walked two and struck out four. He fell to 7-6 with the loss. Burke allowed an RBI single to Willson Contreras in the first inning and a solo home run to Wilyer Abreu in the third inning. His streak of eight consecutive starts with at least five innings pitched was snapped. Burke has a 3.08 ERA. He’s lined up to face the Reds at home next week.

The velocity spike Burke enjoyed a month ago hasn’t held up over his last three starts, but he’s remained awfully effective anyway. The scoreless outing today was his second in three starts, and he has a 1.42 ERA and a 67/9 K/BB in 50 2/3 innings over his last eight turns. With his peripherals backing up his success, he seems like someone who can be counted on in mixed leagues the rest of the way. He’ll face the Red Sox next week.