The White Sox are in the midst of their worst stretch of the season. Friday night’s 8-2 defeat at the hands of the Guardians marked the first time in 2026 the Sox have lost four games in a row, and it’s come at a brutal time. Their lead in the American League Central is down to just two games, and the Guardians, Twins, and Tigers are all lurking within striking distance. The offense has had its recent struggles, but the biggest concern is about the pitching staff. The starters, with a few exceptions, have failed to go deep into games and have put a very talented bullpen in a difficult position. It felt like a boost was needed, and that will come Saturday.
According to multiple reports, the White Sox plan to promote top pitching prospects Hagen Smith and Tanner McDougal to the big leagues for Saturday’s game.
Sources are telling @FutureSox that the White Sox are calling up RHP Tanner McDougal and LHP Hagen Smith.
— Ian Eskridge (@dailywhitesox) August 8, 2026
Promoting two top prospects at once is rare, so it’s clear the White Sox are looking for a spark in whatever way possible. Let’s break down what they’re getting in both pitchers.
Hagen Smith and Tanner McDougal each bring electricity to White Sox pen
Hagen Smith, the fifth-overall pick from the 2024 draft, has had a bit of a roller coaster in the minor leagues. The White Sox hoped Smith would be a high-floor fast-moving starting pitcher when he made the transition to pro ball, but he ran into some adversity. He spent the entirety of his first full season in Double-A in 2025, where he posted a 3.57 ERA over 75.2 innings. Smith held opposing hitters to just a .166 batting average in 2025 but surrendered 56 walks in 20 outings. His season was cut short by a shoulder injury and the White Sox sent him to the Arizona Fall League, where he posted strong numbers.
Smith hoped to get back on track this year and began the year with Triple-A Charlotte. He got off to a strong start this season but began to falter as his control became inconsistent again. Smith was sidelined with a shoulder injury and missed some time, and was put into a bullpen role upon his return to fast-track his big league debut. In 6 relief appearances, Smith has allowed just one earned run and has ten strikeouts. His stuff has ticked up since pitching in the pen, and the White Sox will now give him the opportunity to showcase it in the big league bullpen.
Onto Tanner McDougal, who the White Sox selected in the fifth round in 2021. McDougal underwent Tommy John surgery early in his career and struggled with his control after returning. The tides turned for him in 2025, where he broke out with a 3.26 ERA in 28 outings between High-A and Double-A. Now 23, McDougal began the year in Charlotte and looked to be among the first arms in the mix for a big league promotion, but an unfortunate flexor strain sidelined him for several weeks. Much like with Smith, the White Sox moved McDougal into a bullpen role upon his return from injury, and he’s looked solid in that role. McDougal showcased his triple-digit fastball during spring training and he’ll now get a chance to pitch meaningful innings for a team hoping to make the postseason.
For both Smith and McDougal, the move to the bullpen is temporary. Director of Player Development Paul Janish said that the plan is for both to head to spring training as a starter next season. This is a clear move to give the White Sox bullpen a boost and give Smith and McDougal some experience facing big league hitters.
The White Sox will hope to get back on track Saturday evening for Ozzie Guillen’s jersey retirement, and they’ve got a great opportunity to do so with a pair of exciting young arms now in the fold.
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