Hagen Smith’s Debut Amid Delay
Chicago White Sox pitcher Hagen Smith was informed one hour into a 2-hour, 23-minute rain delay that he would enter Sunday’s game once it resumed. “I was kind of just waiting around, seeing what time we were going to start,” Smith remarked on Sunday. “I was moving around a little in the weight room, trying to stay loose. When we got to a certain time, I went out, played catch, and got on the mound.” Smith, picked fifth in the 2024 draft, pitched two scoreless innings against the Cleveland Guardians in his major league debut, striking out three, walking four, and not allowing a hit while pitching the second and third innings. He earned the victory after the team’s 5-3 win. “You always dream of this growing up,” Smith said. “Especially when you get drafted, you look forward to the debut, and doing it was really cool and a really special moment.”
New Additions to the Roster
Joining Smith, fellow prospect Tanner McDougal recently joined the Sox major league roster after being called up on Saturday. “They have been pitching really well down there in Charlotte,” said pitching coach Zach Bove before Sunday’s game. “Fresh, powerful arms coming out of the pen, which will be beneficial. Hagen made some slight changes coming off the IL with a cutter and delivery, all of which are in a good spot.” Bove elaborated on recent team arrivals.
Luis Castillo’s Performance
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Luis Castillo made headlines following his debut. Castillo, acquired in a trade with the Seattle Mariners, allowed five runs on six hits with five strikeouts and one walk in four innings on Thursday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. He is set for his second outing Wednesday against the Cincinnati Reds at Rate Field. “There are definitely some flashes there in the first few innings,” Bove stated about Castillo’s debut. “The fastball is really good. The line wasn’t great, but a lot of weak contact occurred. The homer affected the outcome, but we felt good about his outing; he completed a beneficial side session. We’re excited about his addition.” Castillo might feature more changeups in upcoming starts. Bove commented, “I think Luis is on board with increasing the changeup, primarily to lefties, and maybe to right-handed hitters too. Seattle develops pitching well, but they focus heavily on sliders. With Luis, it’s about effectively getting hitters out by incorporating the changeup more extensively.”
Huascar Brazobán and Pitching Considerations
Reliever Huascar Brazobán was acquired on Aug. 3 from the New York Mets. In Sunday’s game, he exhibited his changeup and sinker, throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings. “The sinker and the changeup are real,” said Bove. “The guy wants to pitch, he wants to post. He’s very easygoing and is a great fit for us. We’re definitely leaning on the sinker and changeup.” The Sox aim to strengthen their bullpen with Smith and McDougal’s call-up, while David Sandlin and Noah Schultz were optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.
Noah Schultz’s Progress
Noah Schultz, a 2022 first-round draft pick, went 3-9 with a 6.60 ERA over 15 outings, with 59 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings in his rookie season, accumulating 88 1/3 innings between Triple-A and the majors this year. Bove noted, “Considering Schultz’s innings and past injuries, he’s yet to experience a full season. At 23, he’s been a top prospect, but is still finding his footing. We saw flashes of potential, though inconsistency remains.” Schultz is seen as integral to the White Sox’s future. His time back with Charlotte offers a chance to reset, focus on areas for development, and adapt to the demands of a full season reaching 130-140 innings.