Chicago White Sox promote top pitching prospects Smith and McDougal

The Chicago White Sox have called up top pitching prospects Hagen Smith and Tanner McDougal to their major league roster. Both players are expected to serve in relief roles for the time being to bolster an exhausted bullpen, though they are viewed as long-term starters.

Smith, the No. 2 prospect in the organization and No. 51 overall in MLB, recently pitched in relief for Triple-A Charlotte with a 1.42 ERA following his return from a shoulder injury. McDougal, the No. 4 prospect, also transitioned to relief in Triple-A, maintaining a 2.53 ERA in recent appearances after recovering from an elbow strain.

The roster moves come amid a tight race in the American League Central, where the White Sox currently hold first place despite a recent four-game losing streak. To facilitate these promotions, the team optioned pitchers David Sandlin and Noah Schultz to Triple-A Charlotte and designated Wikelman González for assignment.