On Friday, the White Sox move out of the frying pan and into the fire. The major-league-leading Braves leave town, and the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers arrive.
At least the Sox won’t have to face Shohei Ohtani — from the mound, that is. The two-way superstar pitched Wednesday in the Dodgers’ 9-8 loss to the Pirates in Pittsburgh. He allowed three earned runs in 6 ⅔ innings, and his ERA skyrocketed to … 1.06.
He also hit his 12th home run of the season, a two-run shot in the ninth that cut the Dodgers’ deficit to one, but they got no closer. However, after going 2-for-2 with two walks and another homer Thursday, Ohtani left in the seventh with inflammation in his left knee.
The Sox will face three right-handers in the series: Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Emmet Sheehan. They’ll counter with left-hander Anthony Kay and righties Sean Burke and Erick Fedde.
Before the game Thursday against the Braves was rained out — it will be made up Aug. 20 at 1:10 p.m. — the Sox were uncertain about their starter Saturday. Manager Will Venable had said he could either employ a bullpen day or choose someone internally.
Thoughts immediately went to Hagen Smith, the Sox’ No. 4 prospect, who has been tearing it up at Triple-A Charlotte. He had nine strikeouts in each of his last two games. Though he has a 3.78 ERA in 13 starts this season, he has held hitters to a .186 average.
“The last outing was really good,” Venable said. “He’s continuing to build up.”
After the rainout, the Sox could turn to Smith on their road trip next week when they face the Yankees and Tigers — who will get back-to-back Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal on Saturday against the Guardians.
Perez’s influence lingers
The Sox were scheduled to face their former teammate, Braves lefty Martin Perez. Though Perez missed much of the season because of an elbow injury, Venable said he left an impression on the team that still exists.
“It’s one thing to have experienced guys who are veterans that players can lean on,” Venable said, “but also to have the quality of character of these types of guys like Martin Perez that can be that experienced voice but also give space for young guys to be themselves, support them to grow their own leadership, is really amazing.”
“Martin last year had as big an impact on this group as anybody, even when he was hurt. One of the core guys, made an impact and helped us formulate the culture and how we go about our business that you see today.”
Colson’s back
Shortstop Colson Montgomery was back in the lineup after missing two games with a tight back. Venable said that Montgomery, who dealt with back issues last season, probably will have to manage it for the rest of his career.
“I don’t think to the degree that you’re concerned other than just the daily maintenance you have to do to keep your body functioning properly,” Venable said.
Notes
The Sox made an even more minor move after trading outfielder Derek Hill to the Phillies. They acquired outfielder Nolan Jones and cash from the Guardians for $250,000 in international-pool money. Jones will report to Triple-A Charlotte on a minor-league deal.
• The Sox are 36-31 after 67 games, compared to 23-44 in 2025 and 17-50 in 2024. They won their 36th game on July 21, 2025, and Sept. 16, 2024.
• The team’s 6-5, 10-inning victory Tuesday marked the 10th time this season that they trailed in the seventh inning or later and won. Last season, that happened only twice.