White Sox lean on bullpen for 10-1 win amid rotation concerns
7 sourcesUpdated Sep 7, 2026
The White Sox adjusted their rotation to give Sean Burke extra rest, using Bryan Hudson as the opener in Sunday’s series finale against Minnesota while preparing Burke to start Tuesday against Pittsburgh. The strategy worked as Chicago’s bullpen combined for 15 strikeouts and one run in a 10-1 victory, with Hagen Smith delivering three perfect innings and Grant Taylor recovering from a solo homer and walk to dominate the rest of his outing. The win helped Chicago keep pace with the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central race. However, the team’s reliance on its relievers reflects a growing concern: starters have failed to reach six innings in 14 consecutive games, and Anthony Kay’s struggles in Saturday’s 6-4 loss added to the bullpen’s workload with 20 games remaining.
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Venable's creative with the opener stuff, gotta give him credit, but the rotation depth issue isn't going away just because of one good night.
Bullpen's carrying this team right now, but you can't win a pennant race on relievers alone all September.
