The White Sox starting rotation is getting healthier at the perfect time. With 24 games left of the regular season and the south-siders clinging to a three-game lead in the AL Central, they’ll be adding a key piece back to their rotation. Davis Martin, who put together an excellent first half before faltering as of late, has been activated from the injured list after missing the past two weeks with a blister on his finger. Martin last pitched for the White Sox on August 13th and had a strong rehab outing with the Charlotte Knights last week. He will start Wednesday night’s game against the Astros.
Prior to tonight’s game at Houston, the Chicago White Sox returned right-handed pitcher Davis Martin from his injury rehabilitation assignment at Class AAA Charlotte, reinstated him from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Tanner McDougal to Class AAA Charlotte.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 2, 2026
Martin, 29, was in the midst of a career year before running into some midseason hiccups. The right-hander posted a 1.41 ERA in five starts in April and a 2.05 mark in May. He followed it up with a 5.68 ERA in June and 6.00 ERA in July before the wheels completely fell off in August. A rain-shortened outing against Cleveland followed by an ejection against the Reds set the stage for Martin to be placed on the injured list, and the White Sox are hopeful that a couple weeks of rest have given Martin a chance to sort out his recent struggles. His return to success will be crucial for the team down the stretch.
The White Sox don't need April Davis Martin, they just need innings
I don’t anticipate Martin returning to his April and May form, but he’s better than the pitcher he’s been over the last three months, and the White Sox are looking for any kind of stability in their starting rotation right now. Sean Burke came within one out of posting the White Sox first quality start since Anthony Kay’s outing on August 20th. The shortened outings for the starting pitchers have become a trend for the White Sox, whose bullpen leads the major leagues in innings, and it’s a trend that needs to reverse if they want any chance at a deep Postseason run.
At his best, Davis Martin can provide six strong innings on any given night. Even at his career norm, he’s good for a quality start and he’ll get you deep into the ballgame. But after a bout of tipping pitches and a blister on his finger, it’s far from a guarantee that Davis Martin will be at his best– or his career norm– after he comes off the IL. The rehab outing in Charlotte was a good sign, but Triple-A hitters are not like MLB hitters, so Martin is going to have a bigger challenge.
The White Sox are likely penciling in Sean Burke and Anthony Kay in a playoff series as of right now, but adding another consistent arm or two will certainly make them feel better about their chances of winning a series. With the deadline to add talent from the outside already in the past, the team will need to rely on internal improvements to help them get over the finish line. Unlocking Davis Martin’s early season form could be a huge first step.
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