Noah Schultz returns to Chicago as the White Sox embrace an unconventional pitching plan for the stretch run.
Prior to Tuesday night’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, the Chicago White Sox made an intriguing change to their pitching staff.
Left-handed pitcher Noah Schultz was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, while veteran right-hander José Urquidy was designated for assignment.
Schultz made his MLB debut for the White Sox on April 14 and got his career off to a promising start through four outings. But he ultimately struggled as the 2026 season progressed. With his ERA sitting at 6.06 in August, the White Sox decided to option him back to the minor leagues and give him an opportunity to continue his development.
The velocity was down, the walk rate was up and Schultz surrendered plenty of hard contact during his first MLB stint. But his overall professional track record, along with his production for Triple-A Charlotte since being sent down, reinforces the belief that Schultz has a bright future in Major League Baseball.
The White Sox clearly believe he can also help them during the home stretch of the regular season as they hunt for a playoff spot.
During his most recent stint with Charlotte, Schultz pitched between four and five innings nearly every time he took the mound. Over five starts, he totaled 21.2 innings with a 1.66 ERA. The strikeout numbers were down, as Schultz punched out only 10 batters during that stretch. But he also limited the walks and found himself pitching more effectively as a result.
Noah Schultz Fits Unconventional Pitching Plan
Innings are at a premium for the White Sox as the regular season winds down. It’s becoming abundantly clear that this team won’t be functioning with a traditional pitching staff.
Chicago may not have a single starting pitcher on its roster capable of taking the ball and consistently completing six innings.
As the White Sox plan for the home stretch of the regular season and a possible postseason berth, a pitcher-by-committee approach makes the most sense. Use an opener, turn to a starting pitcher for three or four innings in a bulk relief role, then rely on multi-inning relievers who can effectively work through the opposing lineup once and help get the team deep into the game.
We’ve seen that formula at work for a few weeks. Sean Newcomb, Grant Taylor and Hagen Smith have all demonstrated an ability to provide multiple clean innings. Now the White Sox can add Schultz to the bullpen and potentially use him in a similar role.
If Chicago carries several relievers capable of providing two or three effective innings, it will have to ask significantly less of its starting pitchers. It will also allow manager Will Venable to have a much quicker hook when one of his starters struggles.
José Urquidy’s Departure Clears a 40-Man Roster Spot
Urquidy did a nice job of eating bulk innings at times and ultimately posted a 4.37 ERA over 22.2 innings with the White Sox. But Chicago clearly believes Schultz can be more effective over shorter stretches while providing greater upside.
Designating Urquidy for assignment also clears an important spot on the 40-man roster.
The White Sox must activate Drew Thorpe from the 60-day IL by Wednesday, and they need an open 40-man roster spot to do so. That doesn’t necessarily mean Thorpe will immediately join the White Sox, as he is currently scheduled to start for Charlotte on Tuesday night. Chicago could activate Thorpe and then option him to Triple-A, allowing him to remain in the minor leagues after the mandatory conclusion of his rehab assignment.
By designating Urquidy for assignment, the White Sox created an active roster opening for Schultz while also clearing the 40-man spot they will likely need for Thorpe.
It’s a move that gives Schultz another opportunity in Chicago and provides the organization with the flexibility required to handle Thorpe’s looming deadline.
