With the White Sox missing key players on the IL, Chicago turns to Braden Montgomery’s major-league debut as Atlanta’s top form visits Guaranteed Rate Field at 6:40 p.m. CT. Erick Fedde opens for the Sox, and the Braves counter with Grant Holmes in the first g
The White Sox don’t have to look far for reminders of what’s been missing lately. A disappointing series loss in Philadelphia is still fresh. and the roster still carries several injuries—Munetaka Murakami. Kyle Teel. Noah Schultz. and others remain on the IL as the team tries to catch up to full strength.
But tonight in Chicago, the mood shifts toward something new: Braden Montgomery finally gets his shot in the majors. The rookie addition is set to bat sixth and play right field, joining rookies Sam Antonacci and Tristan Peters to complete the outfield.
Montgomery’s call-up isn’t a minor footnote. He was one of the highlights of the Garrett Crochet trade with the Boston Red Sox in 2024, alongside Chase Meidroth, Kyle Teel, and Wikelman González. He also ranked second among White Sox prospects and 21st across all of baseball.
The roster reshuffle has moved quickly around him. Chicago is calling up left-handed pitcher Joe Rock while sending Rikuu Nishida and righthander David Sandlin back to Charlotte. Austin Hays had appeared headed back toward a rehab. but that plan has changed—he was moved to the 60-day IL. For Chris Getz. it also means the outfield picture finally includes the kind of steadier room he’s been pushing for.
Even with the absences, the offense has shown flashes strong enough to make the last weeks feel different. The last two weeks have featured power from Peters and Andrew Benintendi. with Peters posting a .750 slugging percentage and Benintendi at .613. Miguel Vargas is carrying another heavy load at third base. leading all third basemen in home runs (15). RBIs (41). and runs scored (47). trailing only Junior Caminero in OPS at .859.
Still, the first thing the Sox have to survive tonight is the opponent’s momentum. Atlanta arrives with a record of 45-21 and has been a standout all season. The Braves trail only the Dodgers in MLB with a +116 run differential, and they’re riding a three-game win streak into Chicago.
They’ve also been sharper than Chicago in recent form. The Braves are 8-2 compared to the White Sox’s 6-4 in their last 10 games. In the AL Central. the White Sox have room to talk about turnaround. but they know where the standings really bite: Atlanta ranks ninth in baseball. and the Good Guys are the only team in the AL Central division with a positive run differential (+8).
The pitching matchup sets up another test. Lefthander Brandon Eisert will be the opener for Erick Fedde. Fedde is coming off a five-inning, two-hit start against the Twins, but Atlanta is a different kind of challenge.
Across 12 outings this season, Fedde has a 4.94 ERA over 58 1/3 innings. The number that complicates the picture is the 6.11 FIP. He also doesn’t swing-and-miss at the same rate one might want, walking batters at a 9.4% clip.
Atlanta’s lineup, though, is where the early stress shows. Fedde is tied for seventh in MLB with 2.00 home runs per nine innings (HR/9) and has allowed 13 homers this season. The first four Atlanta batters alone look like a problem. and Matt Olson is batting third while also tied for sixth in home runs with 17—tied for second in the National League.
On the other side, the Braves counter with right-hander Grant Holmes. He’s been a rotation staple, posting a 3.86 ERA across 12 starts and 63 innings. Even with a better ERA and strikeout rate than Fedde. Holmes has shown similarly stubborn trends in other areas. including a 10% walk rate and a 5.11 FIP.
The overlap is clear: both pitchers will have to avoid the same pitfalls, because both teams are built to turn mistakes into damage.
The first pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CT on the South Side. The evening is expected to be warm and humid, with temperatures around 85º.
For fans tuning in, the TV broadcast is on CHSN and the radio crew is on ESPN Chicago AM 1000. Chicago’s goal is straightforward—one night, one fresh moment, and a W for Braden Montgomery.
White Sox Braves Braden Montgomery Erick Fedde Grant Holmes Joe Rock Munetaka Murakami Kyle Teel Noah Schultz CHSN ESPN Chicago AM 1000
Wait is this the guy from the Crochet trade? Sox always making moves lol
Honestly I don’t get why they’re even talking about injuries like anyone cares. Just play ball. If Montgomery bats 6th that’s probably just to fill space
Montgomery debut sounds cool but it also says they still got like Murakami and Teel and Schultz out?? So who’s even starting offense, Benintendi and vibes? Also Erick Fedde pitching sounds rough for Chicago… Braves always seem to have someone ready
I thought Austin Hays was back already, so why is he suddenly on the 60-day IL? This team moves people around so fast I can’t keep it straight. Hopefully the rookie in right field actually hits because the outfield has been a mess. Braves vs Sox at 6:40 though, like that matters when half the lineup is hurt