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White Sox adopt unconventional pitching strategy for ALDS opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 2:32 AM

Last updated Oct 3, 2026

White Sox adopt unconventional pitching strategy for ALDS opener

Summary

The Chicago White Sox plan to start left-handed reliever Hagen Smith as the opener for Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians. Manager Will Venable, who announced the decision, noted the Sox's reliance on openers, having utilized this strategy a league-high 32 times this season. This approach marks a deviation from traditional starting rotations, recalling the team’s postseason success in 2005, where conventional starters dominated. Venable indicated a possible mix-and-match strategy moving forward, potentially involving Sean Burke in Game 2. The White Sox are exploring how far this 'no-rotation' approach can take them in the playoffs.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Hagen Smith to start as opener in ALDS Game 1 against Guardians.
•Sox eclipsed 30 games using opener strategy this season.
•Will Venable may deploy a mix-and-match pitcher strategy in upcoming games.
•Contrast drawn between current approach and 2005 postseason methods.

Latest Updates

2:32 AMYahoo Sports — Paul Sullivan: Can White Sox keep succeeding in postseason without conventional rotation?

What they're saying

"
CLEVELAND — If you’re a baseball fan of a certain age, you’ve probably spent most of your life knowing some certainties about a pitching staff. The five best guys (or four if you’re really old) are the starters who will try to get you through the bulk of the game. The best reliever is the closer, who pitches the last inning or possibly part of the eighth if he’s dominant enough. The next-best ...
— Yahoo Sports

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