From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Why David Sandlin looks ready to stick
David Sandlin returned with a smarter pitch mix, giving the White Sox real reason to keep him in the rotation.
In brief
David Sandlin returned with a smarter pitch mix, giving the White Sox real reason to keep him in the rotation. Sandlin’s path to staying in the majors is no longer just velocity. It is sequencing, shape, and using his fastball as the final blow. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
A rotation opening
The White Sox had gone 22 games without a starter finishing six innings, so Sandlin’s 5⅔ strong frames arrived at the right time.
“he’s earned another opportunity, for sure”
Sandlin made his case
He did not allow an earned run against the Cardinals and carried a perfect game into the sixth inning in his first start back.
More than one start
The performance mattered because it came with a changed arsenal. Sandlin looked less like a thrower and more like a pitcher with answers.
Velocity was not enough
Earlier in Chicago, his high-90s fastball got hit and left-handed batters exposed the holes in his approach.
A Triple-A reset
After the All-Star break, Sandlin and Brian Bannister worked on using his sweeper earlier against lefties, especially as a backdoor strike.
“We really hammered that home.”
Changing hitters' posture
The new sweeper plan makes lefties lean over the plate. That opens the inside lane for Sandlin to attack later in the count.
“then I can take a shot inside”
The cutter changed too
Sandlin also tightened his cutter, making it harder and shorter so it mirrors his fastball better out of the hand.
Fastball as finish
His fastball is no longer the whole plan. It now works best after hitters have been slowed down by the rest of his seven-pitch mix.
Schultz gets the call
The Sox designated Jose Urquidy for assignment and promoted Noah Schultz, who had a 1.66 ERA over his last five minor league starts.
A new relief role
Schultz is expected to work as a multi-inning weapon, likely covering at least one trip through the order when matchups line up.
“Kind of a multi-inning weapon.”
Schultz wants in
The Oswego native is happier joining a major league playoff race than staying in a Triple-A rotation, and he says he will take any role.
“whatever I can to help contribute”
Montgomery sits
Colson Montgomery sat against a lefty despite better season numbers versus left-handers. Venable framed him as more neutral than reverse-split.
“It’s about other things for him.”
The slump matters
The larger concern is Montgomery’s September slide. He entered Tuesday batting .109 with a 43.6% strikeout rate for the month.
In short
Sandlin’s path to staying in the majors is no longer just velocity. It is sequencing, shape, and using his fastball as the final blow.
