White Sox protect Tanner McDougal, Duncan Davitt from Rule 5 Draft

The White Sox added Tanner McDougal and Duncan Davitt to their 40-man roster to protect them from next month’s Rule 5 draft.

The team also placed left-hander Fraser Ellard, who had two separate stints on the injured list, on the Voluntarily Retired List. Ellard, 28, was drafted by the Sox in the 2021 MLB Draft.

The Sox also acquired left-hander Chris Murphy from the Red Sox for minor-league catcher Ronny Hernandez.

McDougal was ranked as the team’s No.7 prospect according to MLB.com, and their third-best pitching prospect. He posted a 3.26 ERA over 28 starts across two minor-league levels.

After being called up to Double A in June, McDougal pitched to immense success, going 3-2 with a 3.23 ERA with the Birmingham Barons. The Sox drafted him in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft.

McDougal’s continued improvement throughout the organization could be critical for the Sox next season as they look to fill innings. Though general manager Chris Getz said the team will be active in free agency and on the trade market, it’s more likely that the team looks internally to help them get through the season.

In two postseason starts with the Barons, McDougal struck out 11 batters over seven combined innings.

The Sox acquired Davitt at the trade deadline from the Rays in the Adrian Houser trade. Davitt, 26, posted a 5.03 ERA at Triple-A Charlotte.

The Sox’ 40-man roster increased to 36 after the moves.

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