Image Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Rangers vs White Sox action delivered a difficult reminder that Chicago’s pitching picture remains far from settled. Jose Urquidy, who had appeared to be finding his rhythm after a strong outing against the Cubs, struggled Monday, Aug. 24, as the Texas Rangers routed the White Sox.
The latest performance came just days after Urquidy threw six scoreless innings at Wrigley Field against the Cubs. He struck out nine in that game, creating optimism that the veteran right-hander might be ready to claim a dependable spot at the back of Chicago’s rotation.
Rangers vs White Sox exposes critical rotation questions
Urquidy’s rough outing against Texas does not erase the progress he showed against the Cubs, but it does highlight the uncertainty surrounding the White Sox pitching staff. Chicago acquired the 31-year-old last month in a minor-league swap, hoping his experience could provide stability for a young roster.
Before losing much of the previous two seasons to rehabilitation from his second Tommy John surgery, Urquidy was a trusted member of the Houston Astros’ rotation. He pitched during the Astros’ recent World Series runs and appeared in the American League Championship Series three years ago.
That postseason background makes him one of the most experienced pitchers in the White Sox clubhouse. However, experience alone cannot guarantee immediate results, particularly for a pitcher still rebuilding confidence and command after major elbow surgery.
Jose Urquidy’s powerful comeback faces a setback
Urquidy has acknowledged that baseball has changed since he was last a regular major-league starter. Hitters are stronger, pitchers are throwing harder and the margin for error has become narrower. While many modern starters rely on fastballs approaching or exceeding 100 mph, Urquidy generally works around 93 mph.
Rather than overpowering hitters, he has focused on changing their timing. During his Houston years, Urquidy established himself with four-seam fastballs near the top of the strike zone. Against the Cubs, he used more sinkers and changeups to create ground balls, along with a curveball in the mid-70s.
His approach also includes changing his tempo. Quick pitches, long holds and deliberate work with the pitch clock are all part of his effort to disrupt hitters. Urquidy said the extra seconds on the clock allow him to breathe, check his grip and think through his next pitch.
That mental reset is especially important for a pitcher returning from surgery. The White Sox need Urquidy to regain consistency, but they also must manage his workload and avoid placing too much pressure on a single promising start.
White Sox rotation remains unsettled after Texas loss
The Rangers vs White Sox result also keeps attention on the other candidates competing for innings. Shane Smith has fallen from Chicago’s opening-day starter to a 5.56 ERA in Triple-A, with the organization pointing to workload, delivery changes and shoulder trouble as contributing factors.
Smith threw a career-high 146 1/3 innings last season, a workload he had never previously approached. White Sox senior pitching adviser Brian Bannister said offseason adjustments may have removed some of the movement and unpredictability that helped Smith enjoy an All-Star season.
After returning from a rotator cuff strain, Smith issued five walks in one Sunday appearance. He has now issued 22 walks across 31 2/3 innings with the Charlotte Knights since returning to the rotation.
- Jose Urquidy: Searching for consistency after his second Tommy John surgery.
- Shane Smith: Working to rediscover the form that made him an All-Star last season.
- Kyle Teel: Beginning a Triple-A rehabilitation assignment after testing his injured ankle.
- Sam Antonacci: Setting a White Sox franchise record with 24 hit-by-pitches.
Kyle Teel’s return adds another important boost
While the pitching staff remains in flux, the White Sox received encouraging news about catcher Kyle Teel. He began a Triple-A rehabilitation assignment Tuesday after testing his left ankle on the basepaths during the weekend.
Chicago plans to ease Teel back into action, but the team expects him to receive starter-level opportunities once he returns. His presence could provide valuable stability for the pitching staff and help the White Sox evaluate their young core during the season’s final stretch.
Sam Antonacci also made franchise history Sunday when he was hit by a Nolan McLean curveball. The moment gave Antonacci 24 hit-by-pitches this season, moving him past Carlos Quentin for the most in White Sox history.
What comes next for Chicago?
The Rangers vs White Sox matchup produced more questions than answers for Chicago’s rotation. Urquidy’s six scoreless innings against the Cubs showed why the organization remains interested in his potential, while his struggles against Texas illustrated how quickly momentum can change.
For the White Sox, the immediate goal is not simply finding a pitcher who can dominate every start. It is identifying dependable arms, protecting recovering players and building a rotation capable of supporting a developing roster.
Urquidy’s next opportunity will carry added importance. A strong response could place him back in the rotation conversation. Another uneven performance would leave Chicago searching for alternatives as it evaluates Smith, Teel’s return and the rest of its young pitching group.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Rangers play the White Sox in the latest update?
The latest update concerns the Rangers vs White Sox game played Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.
How did Jose Urquidy perform before facing Texas?
Urquidy threw six scoreless innings against the Cubs at Wrigley Field and struck out nine hitters.
Why is Jose Urquidy important to the White Sox?
He brings major-league and postseason experience to a young White Sox roster while competing for a rotation role after recovering from his second Tommy John surgery.
What happened with Shane Smith?
Smith has struggled in Triple-A after returning from a rotator cuff strain. He has posted a 5.56 ERA and issued 22 walks over 31 2/3 innings.
When will Kyle Teel return?
Teel began a Triple-A rehabilitation assignment Tuesday. The White Sox plan to ease him back into action before his return to Chicago.
