Pham makes his case in an elevator

Tommy Pham ran into GM Chris Getz in the team hotel elevator and pitched his case to be activated off the injured list. Within 12 hours, the 38-year-old was cleared to play.

“I went right to the source. I felt like I could help the team win today.”

Manager was skeptical just hours before

Will Venable said Monday he'd be shocked if Pham returned this week. As of Tuesday postgame, Pham still needed to run the bases for medical clearance.

Pham activated, Quero optioned out

Pham was slotted into the cleanup spot for the White Sox's biggest game of the season. Catcher Edgar Quero was optioned as the corresponding move.

Three-run homer in first at-bat

Pham pounced on a first-pitch curveball from Guardians ace Parker Messick for a go-ahead three-run home run to left field.

But White Sox still lose to Cleveland

Despite Pham's homer, the White Sox fell 6-3 to the Guardians, who took over first place in the American League Central.

Pham's calf still not fully healed

After hitting the homer, Pham said he'll be treating his calf strain for about another week. He's glad to be playing but not at full strength.

“I'm going to be treating it for about another week, so I'm just glad I'm able to play again.”

Murakami benched after brutal September

Munetaka Murakami went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts on Tuesday. Manager Will Venable benched him Wednesday, saying he needed a break after going 5-for-52 with 31 strikeouts this month.

Venable on struggling players

The manager said benching Murakami and Colson Montgomery was about giving them a mental break when their hard work wasn't translating to results on the field.

“Just truthfully give him a blow. These guys who are in spots where they're continuing to work really hard and it's just not coming out on the field.”

Montgomery hit by pitch, leaves game

In the fourth inning, a 95 mile-per-hour sinker from Parker Messick struck Colson Montgomery in the left wrist. X-rays came back negative but he couldn't swing the bat.

Murakami pulled off bench due to injury

With Montgomery sidelined by the wrist contusion, Murakami was brought off the bench for defensive purposes. He went 0-for-1 with a walk.

Thorpe optioned, out for season

Right-hander Drew Thorpe exhausted his rehab timeline after Tommy John surgery. With 10 games left and a 15-day minor league requirement, he's ineligible for call-up.

Thorpe's rehab showed promise

The pitcher made six rehab starts with Triple-A Charlotte, posting a 2.79 ERA in 29 innings. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2024.

“So proud of him for his journey and the way that he's progressed. There's just not an opportunity here right now for him.”

White Sox only hit with runners in scoring position

The team went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position Wednesday. Pham's three-run homer was their only hit in those situations.