White Sox promote pitching prospects as race for AL Central intensifies

The Chicago White Sox promoted pitching prospects Hagen Smith and Tanner McDougal to the major league bullpen on August 10, 2026. The team's decision to move Smith and McDougal comes as the White Sox remain in first place in the AL Central, a division tightly contested by Cleveland, Minnesota, and Detroit. Both pitchers have shown promise in Triple-A, with Smith posting a 1.42 ERA since returning from injury, while McDougal has a 2.53 ERA. This move signals Chicago's urgency as it aims for postseason success, borrowing from its future rotation to bolster the current bullpen. The White Sox optioned Noah Schultz and David Sandlin to make room for the new pitchers.

• 2:05 PMYahoo Sports — White Sox reveal roster decision, showing urgency to win now