The White Sox are planning to advertise right-hander David Sandlin, experiences Elijah Evans of Simply Baseball and Future Sox. The 25-year-old is already on Chicago’s 40-man, however the crew might want to make area for Sandlin on the energetic roster. Confirming the transfer, James Fegan of Sox Machine famous that Sandlin is probably going going to begin for the White Sox, though it’s not totally clear how he would match into the rotation. It’s attainable he’s solely coming as much as make a spot begin, contemplating Chicago is within the midst of enjoying 13 video games and not using a break day.
Sandlin, 25, started his skilled profession with the Royals in 2022, and Kansas Metropolis traded him to Boston in 2024. The Crimson Sox then dealt the righty to the White Sox this previous winter – together with Jordan Hicks, two gamers to be named later, and money – in alternate for Gage Ziehl. Sandlin was the prize of the deal for the White Sox, who had been prepared to tackle most of Hicks’ remaining wage to amass him. Actually, on the time of the commerce, common supervisor Chris Getz even described Sandlin as “primarily” a part of the return for Luis Robert Jr., because the GM was ready to make use of a number of the cash he saved by buying and selling Robert (and his $20MM wage) to pay Hicks, and, due to this fact, to safe Sandlin. Getz went on to say that Sandlin would compete for a spot on Chicago’s Opening Day roster, praising his “mid-rotation” arsenal and stuff. “He’s bought an opportunity to actually affect our beginning rotation this 12 months,” Getz defined (per MLB.com’s Scott Merkin).
Sandlin didn’t find yourself pitching in large league spring coaching. Again and forearm soreness (per Fegan) pressured him to begin the season on the minor league injured checklist as a substitute. Nonetheless, from his first rehab begin at Excessive-A Winston-Salem to his newest outing for Triple-A Charlotte, he has been nothing wanting electrical. Main with a four-seam fastball that flirts with triple digits, he’s given up simply 12 hits in 16 1/3 innings, placing out 26. Whereas his stroll charge is excessive, he hasn’t let the free passes result in a lot injury; Sandlin didn’t permit an earned run till his most up-to-date begin.
Most prospect evaluators roughly agree with Getz’s evaluation of Sandlin. He has No. 3 or 4 starter upside, however he wants to enhance his management and hone the remainder of his arsenal (apart from that high-velocity heater) if he’s going to get there. Whereas his outcomes this season have been promising, his Triple-A numbers from 2025 display why there’s trigger for concern. In his first 23 2/3 innings on the highest minor league stage, he walked 13 batters, beaned two extra, and gave up 35 hits en path to a 7.61 ERA and 5.27 FIP.
Davis Martin has been a revelation for the White Sox this season. Anthony Kay and Sean Burke have been strong, regardless of their ups and downs. Noah Schultz and Erick Fedde have struggled badly. Even so, it’s laborious to think about that Sandlin would take both of their spots within the rotation. Schultz may very well be optioned, whereas Fedde may very well be DFA’d. But, Sandlin isn’t stretched out to tackle a full starter’s workload, and he’s by no means made greater than 18 begins or thrown greater than 106 innings in knowledgeable season. So, it appears extra seemingly that he’s becoming a member of the crew to provide the remainder of the rotation an additional day of relaxation. After all, that doesn’t imply he can’t keep in Chicago if he pitches properly. This may be a spot begin for now, however the White Sox aren’t going to ship down anybody who can provide them high quality innings. They’re presently in a playoff place, regardless of a mediocre 4.47 ERA and 4.19 SIERA. If Sandlin succeeds, he shouldn’t have hassle sticking round.
