White Sox Promote Top Pitching Prospects to Bolster Struggling Bullpen

On August 8, 2026, the Chicago White Sox promoted left-hander Hagen Smith and right-hander Tanner McDougal from Triple-A Charlotte, optioning right-hander David Sandlin and left-hander Noah Schultz. The moves responded to a four-game losing streak and a bullpen stretched by a 13-inning loss to Boston and a Friday managerial error.

ESPN

Chicago’s rotation has been hampered by injuries. Noah Schultz, a former rotation mainstay, posted a 6.60 ERA in 15 appearances before being pulled after a mound-visit mishap. Despite the skid, the White Sox remain atop the AL Central by two games, but the bullpen has been thin after the marathon game and the Friday incident that left only seven of eight arms available.

NBC Sports

• Hagen Smith – 2024 first-round (5th overall) pick; 4.32 ERA over 20 Triple-A appearances; 1.42 ERA in six relief outings since July 19, 2026; 10 strikeouts.

Tyler Morning Telegraph

• Tanner McDougal – 2021 fifth-round pick; 2.86 ERA in 15 Triple-A appearances; 2.53 ERA with a .158 opponent batting average since July 7, 2026; 13 strikeouts in nine relief outings.

Report: White Sox to promote pitchers Tanner McDougal, Hagen Smith from Triple-A Charlotte

• Noah Schultz – 3-9 record, 6.60 ERA before demotion.

NBC Sports

• David Sandlin – 2.13 ERA, 42 strikeouts in 42 1/3 Triple-A innings.

Report: White Sox to promote pitchers Tanner McDougal, Hagen Smith from Triple-A Charlotte

General manager Chris Getz said the organization had been monitoring the prospects’ readiness, noting that “they are pitching well out of the bullpen.” Manager Will Venable accepted responsibility for the Friday error, calling it “inexcusable.” Director of Player Development Paul Janish said both Smith and McDougal will return to starting roles in spring training, using the current relief assignments for major-league experience.

White Sox bullpen receives major boost with promotion of 2 top pitching prospects

• Smith’s ERA: Reuters and SI both list a 4.32 ERA, so there is no conflict.

Tyler Morning Telegraph

• McDougal’s ERA: Reuters cites 2.86 ERA (Triple-A only); SI reports 3.44 ERA (all minor-league games). The difference reflects sample sets.

Sports Illustrated

• Bullpen usage: Outlets differ on whether the bullpen was “depleted” by the Friday error or already taxed by the prior 13-inning game; both observations are accurate.

ESPN

• “They are pitching well out of the bullpen, they are,” — Chris Getz

White Sox to call up prospect pitchers Tanner McDougal and Hagen Smith

The White Sox will face the Cleveland Guardians on August 8, 2026 at 7:15 p.m., with left-hander Anthony Kay starting. Smith and McDougal are expected to appear in relief as the club evaluates further roster moves before the trade deadline.

Reuters