Anthony Kay’s confidence remained strong even after a rough start to the season. “I’m here to do a job and they know I’m capable,” expressed the Chicago White Sox starter on Thursday. “You have to maintain confidence, stack good days, and make positive changes. Thankfully, we adjusted well on the mound and achieved good results.”
The left-hander boasts a 3-0 record with a 1.98 ERA, a .227 opponents’ average, and 24 strikeouts over his last five starts. Kay is set to pitch Saturday against the Detroit Tigers at Rate Field.
Earlier, Kay had effectively shut down the Royals in the fifth inning on May 14, 2026, drawing attention at Rate Field.
“He’s made necessary adjustments,” said manager Will Venable on Thursday. “Having pitched in Japan in 2024 and 2025, making changes isn’t unfamiliar to him. It’s good to see him working hard and seeing his efforts pay off.”
Kay’s overall record stands at 4-1 with a 3.96 ERA, 39 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 52 1/3 innings. He has hit 10 batters. In his first six outings, he held a 6.12 ERA, conceding 17 earned runs in 25 innings. However, in his last five starts, he allowed only six earned runs over 27 innings.
Conversations with pitching coach Zach Bove helped him focus on “early counts, and pitch selection.” Kay explained, “Many pitches weren’t in the zone. Sequencing improvements helped me get into better pitcher counts, like 0-1, 1-2, 0-2. That was significant for me.”
Previously with teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets, and after a stint with the Yokohama BayStars in Japan, Kay signed a two-year deal with the Sox. Reflecting on his growth, Kay said, “There was doubt about my ability in the big leagues, but I’ve proven I belong here.”
Kay enjoys camaraderie with his teammates. He lightheartedly teases them when they perform well. “When they have a good outing, I jest, ‘Why not go one more inning?’ I aim to keep them humble and focused.”
In unfortunate news, reliever Jordan Leasure went on a 15-day injured list Friday due to a right flexor strain. “Warming up, it didn’t feel great,” Leasure noted. “I pushed through, but realized something was off and informed Will. It’s frustrating given the current season, but I hope this break strengthens everything.”
Leasure recorded a 6.27 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings this season, with one start. Optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on May 7, he returned on May 23. “He has recurring elbow soreness,” Venable remarked before Friday’s game. “A flexor strain diagnosis means an 8 to 10-week rest. We hope to rebuild him afterwards.”
Consequently, the Sox recalled reliever Tyler Gilbert from Charlotte.