White Sox Promote David Sandlin Amid Rotation Turmoil

Chicago’s starting staff entered May with a solid April but has since faltered. Erick Fedde posted a 10.13 ERA in May, while Noah Schultz’s 3.52 ERA is marred by 13 walks in 23.1 innings. Sean Burke has failed to reach five innings in his last three outings, and Anthony Kay only recently delivered a quality start. The club sits 18th in league ERA and holds the second American League Wild Card spot on Memorial Day, prompting the front office to consider internal options rather than aggressive trade-deadline deals.

White Sox to call up pitching prospect David Sandlin

The 25-year-old right-hander was the centerpiece of the offseason trade that sent reliever Jordan Hicks to Chicago. Originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of Oklahoma, Sandlin was later dealt to Boston for John Schreiber before arriving in Chicago alongside Hicks. MLB Pipeline ranks him 18th among White Sox prospects. He stands 6-foot-4, 215 lb, throws a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and can touch 101 mph, and possesses a secondary arsenal that includes a cutter, slider, sinker, sweeper, curveball and changeup.

Heavy

In Triple-A Charlotte this season Sandlin recorded a 0.75 ERA with 17 strikeouts over 12 innings, issuing six walks. Across six starts split between High-A Winston-Salem and Triple-A Charlotte he posted a 0.55 ERA, a 1.41 WHIP and 26 strikeouts. His strikeout rate sits at 35.1 % while his walk rate is 14.9 %, figures that suggest both high upside and command concerns. In 2025 he logged a 3.61 ERA with a 25 % strikeout rate in Double-A, but struggled in a Triple-A bullpen role, posting a 7.61 ERA.

Report: White Sox to promote RHP David Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte

The White Sox have not formally announced the promotion, but multiple sources reported that the club intends to call up Sandlin before Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins. Team officials indicated the move could place him in the rotation as a starter or, alternatively, in a multi-inning, high-leverage relief role, depending on how the rotation evolves.

Report: White Sox to promote RHP David Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte

Analysts note Sandlin’s walk percentage is unsustainable for a major-league starter and that his WHIP points to potential difficulty sustaining deep outings. While his strikeout ability is impressive, critics argue that refinement of pitch location and consistency will be essential before he can reliably replace a struggling starter such as Fedde.

White Sox to call up pitching prospect David Sandlin

Sources differ on Sandlin’s recent ERA: one cites a 0.75 mark in 12 Triple-A innings, another references a 0.55 ERA across six starts spanning High-A and Triple-A. Strikeout percentages also vary between 35.1 % (current season) and 25 % (2025 Double-A). The club has not clarified his exact role or which roster spot he will occupy.

Report: White Sox to promote RHP David Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte

• “75 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 12 innings at Triple-A since returning from injury.” — Elijah Evans, @ElijahEv8, May 26 2026

Report: White Sox to promote RHP David Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte

• “The White Sox are calling up pitching prospect David Sandlin, sources tell @JustBB_Media and @FutureSox.”

Report: White Sox to promote RHP David Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte

• “He’s posted velocities in the mid-90s late into games, and has been able to run it as high as 101 miles per hour in controlled, bullpen settings.”

Report: White Sox to promote RHP David Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte

• “41 WHIP and 26 strikeouts in six starts between High-A Winston-Salem and Triple-A Charlotte this season.”

Report: White Sox to promote RHP David Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte

• “As for his stuff, Sandlin features above-average metrics across a wide pitch mix (four-seam, cutter, slider, sinker, sweeper, curveball, and changeup), so the White Sox will have to continue to refine the arsenal and help rein Sandlin into the strike zone more consistently.”

Report: White Sox to promote RHP David Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte

• “The Kansas City Royals selected Sandlin in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of the University of Oklahoma.”

Heavy

If the promotion proceeds, Sandlin could make his major-league debut on Tuesday against Minnesota, either as a starter or long reliever. The White Sox will monitor his performance closely as they decide whether Erick Fedde retains his rotation spot. Continued success by Sandlin may influence Chicago’s strategy in the Wild Card race and shape future roster decisions.

Heavy