Introduction to the White Sox Season
Another day, another disappointing end to a blue-chip White Sox prospect’s season. Oswego East product Noah Schultz was left off the Arizona Fall League roster announced Wednesday by MLB, signaling an end to a frustrating year for the towering lefty who’s rated No. 2 in the Sox’ system and No. 37 overall.
Current Injuries and Setbacks
That comes a day after the Sox announced their No. 1 prospect, outfielder Braden Montgomery, was done for the year at Double-A Birmingham due to a broken bone in his foot. The Sox put Schultz, 22, on the injured list as a precaution last week after he started feeling discomfort in his right knee, a flare-up of patellar tendinitis that kept him off the mound for more than a month earlier this summer. It closes the book on a rocky season for the 6-10, 240 lbs Schultz, who went 4-5 with a 4.68 ERA over two minor-league levels. He struggled to a 9.37 ERA in five starts after his June promotion to Triple-A Charlotte.
Return of Key Players
Montgomery is still expected to play in the AFL along with 2024 first-round pick Hagen Smith, another lefty who has gone 3-3 with a 3.64 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 19 starts at Birmingham.
Sean Burke and Miguel Vargas Back in Action
Opening Day starter Sean Burke, who was sent to Triple-A Charlotte last month after a string of short starts, didn’t fare all that much better in his return to big-league action during Wednesday’s 6-5 win over Tampa Bay. Burke gave up five hits in 4⅓ innings, including two solo homers, while walking four and striking out five. He was charged with three earned runs, one of them scoring on a two-run bomb served up by reliever Brandon Eisert, to raise his ERA on the season to 4.35.
Sean Burke throws against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning Wednesday.
Manager Will Venable said the Sox still view Burke as a viable starter long-term. “We’re a long ways away from having a conversation about next year, but certainly we think very highly of him.”
Injuries Continue to Mount
The Sox also welcomed back infielder Miguel Vargas, who suffered an ugly wrist injury while trying to catch a throw to first in front of the Yankees’ Aaron Judge two weeks ago. Vargas went 1-for-4 with a single in his first at-bat, later scoring on a Michael A. Taylor double. Vargas, playing third base, also made a nice barehanded play on a bunt to retire Rays’ leadoff man Chandler Simpson. A nice night for the Sox took an unsettling turn when prized rookie reliever Grant Taylor exited with the trainer after throwing seven pitches late in the game. He was being evaluated for a groin strain.
Season Likely Over for Luis Robert Jr.
Center fielder Luis Robert Jr. performed light running drills in the outfield before Wednesday’s game, but the injured former All-Star’s season is likely done. “We’re not sticking the fork in him yet, but we acknowledge we’re probably running out of time here,” Venable said. Robert strained his hamstring Aug. 27, raising the question of whether the 28-year-old former Gold Glover has played his final game in a Sox uniform. General manager Chris Getz has signaled they’ll pick up Robert’s $20 million contract option for next season, but Getz has been fielding trade offers for more than a year.
Conclusion
The White Sox season has been marred by injuries to key players, including top prospects like Noah Schultz and Braden Montgomery. Despite these setbacks, the team has seen the return of players like Sean Burke and Miguel Vargas, offering a glimmer of hope for the future. However, with the season likely over for Luis Robert Jr. and other injuries continuing to mount, the White Sox will have to regroup and reassess their strategy for the next season.
FAQs
- Q: Who is the White Sox’s top pitching prospect?
A: Noah Schultz is the White Sox’s top pitching prospect, rated No. 2 in the Sox’ system and No. 37 overall. - Q: What is the current status of Braden Montgomery?
A: Braden Montgomery suffered a small fracture in his right foot when he was hit by a pitch and is done for the year at Double-A Birmingham. - Q: Is Luis Robert Jr.’s season over?
A: Yes, Luis Robert Jr.’s season is likely done due to a hamstring strain. - Q: Who has been fielding trade offers for Luis Robert Jr.?
A: General manager Chris Getz has been fielding trade offers for Luis Robert Jr. for more than a year.
