White Sox reset rotation, ask bullpen to pull out win vs. Twins

Jun 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Bryan Hudson (60) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the seventh inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images The Chicago White Sox know that opting for a bullpen game during a playoff hunt is less than ideal. But Chicago is more focused on the next couple of weeks than the next 24 hours. The White Sox will lean on their relievers in the rubber match of a three-game series against the visiting Minnesota Twins on Sunday. White Sox right-hander Sean Burke initially was slated to start the series finale. But those plans changed after manager Will Venable and his coaching staff looked at the upcoming schedule and saw an opportunity to reset their rotation. Chicago (74-68) has an off day Monday, and the White Sox coaches decided to scratch Burke's Sunday start and give him an additional day off Monday. That means he is set to take the mound on extra rest Tuesday in the opener of a three-game home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the rest of the rotation will get more rest, too. "(We) have a chance to line some things up," Venable said. "We're looking ahead and trying to get guys in the best spots. There's some implications with rest. There's some implications with matchups." Part of the reason for the change is that Burke is well past his career high in innings. In 28 games (24 starts) this season, he's at 154 2/3 innings. In 2025, he appeared in 28 games (22 starts) and threw 134 1/3. "We've seen him so good," Venable said. "(I) feel like he's getting back to form after a couple (outings) that maybe weren't as sharp as the previous stretch. Feel really good about where he's at and want to make sure that he stays there." In Burke's place, White Sox left-handed reliever Bryan Hudson (4-4, 3.03 ERA) will serve as the opener. He has 55 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings this season spread over 61 games. Hudson is no stranger to facing the Twins. He has squared off against them in seven career relief appearances, and he is 0-0 with a 1.23 ERA in those outings. He has walked one and struck out five in 7 1/3 innings and tallied two saves. Five of those appearances against the Twins have come this season in relief. He has thrown five scoreless innings, giving up four hits and striking out three, and converted both of his save opportunities. The Twins (68-74) will counter with right-hander Bailey Ober (7-4, 4.37), who is set to make his 22nd start of the season. He is searching for his first win since July 17 against the Chicago Cubs. Ober's most recent outing came against the White Sox on Aug. 29. He drew a no-decision in a 3-2 loss after giving up two runs (one earned) on two hits in five innings. He walked two and struck out five. In 16 career starts against the White Sox, Ober is 6-2 with a 3.56 ERA. Minnesota is clinging to faint hopes of a wild-card playoff berth and also looking to get its starting rotation in order for the next few weeks. The Twins hope to welcome back ace right-hander Joe Ryan as early as Monday against the Detroit Tigers. Ryan was put on the 15-day injured list on Aug. 7 due to a left glute strain. "We know how talented (Ryan) is," catcher Ryan Jeffers said. "He's a two-time All-Star, back-to-back years. He's the ring leader of that starting pitching group. "Adding him back when every game feels like it's a super important game, if we can get a couple starts from him going down the stretch, then we like our chances there." The teams will conclude the season series on Sunday, with the White Sox leading 7-5. Chicago enters the day with a 2 1/2-game lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central division. The Twins are 3 1/2 games out of the final wild-card spot. --Field Level Media