Chicago White Sox pitcher Hagen Smith learned he would be entering Sunday’s game after a rain delay that lasted 2 hours and 23 minutes. ‘I was kind of just waiting around, seeing what time we were going to start,’ Smith said as he prepared in the weight room to stay loose. ‘When we got to a certain time, went out there, played catch and got on the mound.’
Smith, the fifth pick in the 2024 draft, delivered an impressive major-league debut against the Cleveland Guardians. He pitched two scoreless innings with three strikeouts and four walks, allowing no hits during the second and third innings. His efforts contributed to the White Sox’s 5-3 win. ‘You always dream of this growing up,’ Smith reflected. ‘Especially when you get drafted you just look forward to the debut.’
Smith, alongside fellow prospect Tanner McDougal, joined the major-league roster following their call-up on Saturday. ‘They have been pitching really well down there [in Charlotte],’ pitching coach Zach Bove stated. ‘Fresh, powerful arms coming out of the bullpen is going to be good.’
Hagen made some slight changes with a cutter and delivery after coming off the injured list, according to Bove.
Meanwhile, the White Sox recently acquired veteran starter Luis Castillo in a trade with the Seattle Mariners. His recent outing against the Boston Red Sox saw five runs on six hits with five strikeouts in four innings. Castillo, scheduled for another start against the Cincinnati Reds, showcased potential despite a challenging debut. ‘There’s definitely some flashes there,’ Bove commented, praising Castillo’s fastball.
Looking ahead, Castillo may increase usage of his changeup. ‘I think Luis is on board with increasing the changeup to lefties and maybe right-handed hitters too,’ Bove said, acknowledging the adjustment from Seattle, where the emphasis was on sliders.
New reliever Huascar Brazoban, acquired from the New York Mets, demonstrated his skills with a changeup and sinker in a scoreless 1 2/3 innings performance. ‘The sinker and the changeup are real,’ Bove noted, highlighting Brazoban’s eagerness to contribute.
The Sox aim to strengthen their bullpen with Smith and McDougal’s addition. In contrast, David Sandlin and Noah Schultz were moved to Triple-A Charlotte. Schultz, a 2022 first-round draft pick, has had a challenging rookie season with a 3-9 record and a 6.60 ERA across 15 outings. ‘Noah is a big part of our future, but use his time in Charlotte as a reset,’ Bove explained, emphasizing the importance of adapting to a full season’s demand.