# White Sox Prioritize Rest for AL Central Race

> White Sox choose rest over wild card series to chase AL Central title.
- Title: White Sox Prioritize Rest for AL Central Race | Shortify
- Summary: White Sox choose rest over wild card series to chase AL Central title. The White Sox opted for extra rest for their rotation to focus on the AL Central…
- Keywords: white sox, al central, rotation order, sean burke, davis martin, anthony kay, luis castillo, tyler davis, news, local, White, Sox
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/09/24/white-sox-prioritizing-rest-division-race-as-they-set-final-rotation-order-will-venable-sean-burke-davis-martin-anthony-kay-david-sandlin-luis-castillo-tyler-davis
- Published: 2026-09-25T00:21:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: white sox, al central, rotation order, sean burke, davis martin, anthony kay, luis castillo, tyler davis, news, local
## White Sox Set Final Rotation Order
The White Sox plotted their rotation order for the end of the regular season as they prioritized rest over a potential wild card series.
## Division Race Focus
Manager Will Venable emphasized the AL Central division race as their primary goal to secure the No. 2 seed in the AL bracket.
## Rotation Health Concerns
Sean Burke’s career-high 167 innings and Davis Martin’s right calf discomfort led to decisions about extra rest for starters.
## Rotation Strategy
Venable chose David Sandlin to start Thursday, with Sean Burke, Davis Martin, and Anthony Kay finishing the season after prioritizing rest.
## Castillo Injured
Luis Castillo was placed on the injured list with right shoulder impingement after a grand slam in a relief appearance.
## Martin’s Calf Concerns
Davis Martin stated his right calf discomfort has not affected his performance, focusing on his pitching form instead.
## Rotation Impact
The White Sox aim to secure the AL Central title with a rested rotation before the playoffs begin.
## Playoff Preparation
With the AL Central title in focus, the White Sox prioritized rest to ensure their starters are at their best for the playoffs.
## Rotation Strategy
Venable explained that the rotation order was decided to ensure starters are at their best when it matters most for the playoffs.
## Castillo’s Status
Luis Castillo was placed on the injured list with right shoulder impingement after a grand slam in a relief appearance.
## Martin’s Performance
Davis Martin maintained his 0.89 ERA across four September outings despite right calf discomfort.
## Playoff Strategy
The White Sox prioritized rest for their rotation to secure the AL Central title before the playoffs.
## Key takeaway

The White Sox opted for extra rest for their rotation to focus on the AL Central division race instead of a potential wild card series.