The White Sox are in their final stretch of games for the 2026 season. Following Thursday’s series finale against the Astros, just 22 games remain before the regular season comes to a close. The White Sox added some external reinforcements in the form of Tommy Pham earlier this week, and recent injury updates could soon bring some internal reinforcements as well.
Kyle Teel’s return to the lineup seems imminent
White Sox catcher Kyle Teel has been out since July 20th with a sprain in his ankle, and his time on the shelf could soon come to an end. Teel began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte last week, and though he did not join the team in Houston, he has continued to play well in Charlotte. White Sox manager Will Venable was asked how close Teel is to a return prior to Thursday’s game in Houston.
Will Venable on Kyle Teel's return: "Close. He's close."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) September 3, 2026
However much Teel can give to the White Sox lineup will be a massive boost for the team down the stretch. The team has gotten very little production from the group of Drew Romo, Jake Rogers, and Edgar Quero during his absence, and will welcome back his bat with open arms. Teel could rejoin the White Sox as soon as Friday, when they head home to take on the Twins, and it could spell the end for either Romo or Rogers on the roster.
2 relievers begin rehab assignments
The White Sox bullpen could soon add some reinforcements of its own. Lefty Chris Murphy began a rehab assignment the same day as Teel and has made three scoreless appearances in Charlotte over the past two weeks. The White Sox plans for Murphy moving forward are unclear. With Sean Newcomb, Bryan Hudson, and Tyler Schweitzer on the roster and pitching well, Murphy may stay in Charlotte, but he could be an option for the team down the stretch.
In addition, righty Huascar Brazoban was placed on the IL with a lat strain on August 25th and has headed to Charlotte to begin a rehab assignment. Brazoban was acquired at the trade deadline to be a stabilizing force in the White Sox bullpen but has struggled since coming to Chicago. Perhaps a couple weeks of rest and time to figure out his trouble will get him back on the right track.
Drew Thorpe and Ky Bush continue Tommy John rehab
Right-hander Drew Thorpe made yet another rehab start with Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday. The former top prospect has now made eight minor league rehab starts as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery. He seems to have checked all the boxes, so how long he’ll continue to pitch in Charlotte is unclear. The White Sox have a clear need for rotation stability and Thorpe seems equipped to help the team down the stretch.
The news is not as great for lefty Ky Bush, who is also rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. Bush has yet to appear in a minor league game this season and he will not after straining his lat in a bullpen session earlier this season. The White Sox are choosing to shut Bush down for the year and hope he’ll be ready for spring training in 2027.
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