After entering behind an opener and flummoxing Cubs hitters for six scoreless innings on just 68 pitches last week, White Sox right-hander José Urquidy’s first start since 2023 saw him use 65 just to get through the top of the second.
Without command of his changeup, Urquidy walked four and lacked an out-pitch with which to put away Rangers’ hitters, departing after three innings and five runs allowed. A Sox bullpen that already leads MLB in innings–partially due to all the openers Will Venable uses–was tasked with picking up the final six frames, while the future of the team’s rotation remains muddled.
Davis Martin will throw another bullpen on Tuesday before heading out for a rehab start, as he works back from a blister on his middle finger, so he won’t be an option to replace anyone for at least another turn. Erick Fedde has been adequate for 4-5 innings when used behind an opener, but the Sox quickly moved him to relief when the opportunity arose at the start of August. Drew Thorpe is scheduled for another Triple-A rehab start Tuesday, but the Sox haven’t spoken decisively about his future role.
They have been more clear about expecting Noah Schultz to return from his demotion and make starts down the stretch of their playoff chase. But neither of Schultz’s last two starts with the Knights have exceeded 50 pitches, as the Sox monitor the 22-year-old’s innings.
“It’s part of managing the entire, comprehensive workload for him this year,” Venable said. “At the same time, he’s got to pitch and get back to form and accomplish some of the things that he’s working on.”
Top prospect gets a new glove
Vaunted third base prospect Caleb Bonemer will receive reps in center field at Double-A Birmingham, but also is expected to play the outfield some in the Arizona Fall League, while continuing to see time in the infield. Bonemer, 20, has 33 home runs this season, the most by a Sox minor leaguer in 15 years. But league scouts view him as a below-average infielder in a Sox organization full of superior defenders.
Nishida at the ready
Outfielder Rikuu Nishida is in Chicago and will be activated on Tuesday for another Sox player set to be placed on bereavement leave. The Japanese-born Nishida hit a symmetrical .241/.241/.241 in 12 major league games earlier this year.
No timeline on Teel
Both catcher Kyle Teel (left ankle sprain) and lefty reliever Chris Murphy (flexor strain) will begin Triple-A rehab assignments on Tuesday. Venable said Teel will both catch and DH multiple games with Charlotte, and return when the Sox “can confirm he’s performing well, he’s feeling good and he’s recovering well.”
No mental break for Colson
Colson Montgomery has been moved out of the cleanup spot and entered Monday with a .584 OPS and a 39 percent strikeout rate since the All-Star break, but Venable doesn’t see a “mental break” out of the lineup as necessary, citing a good attitude and better at-bats on the recent road trip.
“I get the question and the bigger body of work, maybe recently, but I think that right now he’s in a good spot,” Venable said. “That’s always on the table as a solution for guys. I just don’t think that we’re there yet with him, or that we’re going to get there.”