The White Sox recalled rookie right-hander David Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte to start Friday night against the Royals, optioning left-hander Joe Rock to Charlotte to make room. Sandlin returns for a second tour this season after mixed results, while Rock’s
David Sandlin’s second trip back to Chicago is set to begin Friday night, when the White Sox will start the rookie right-hander against the Royals.
The move comes after the Sox recalled Sandlin from Triple-A Charlotte, optioning left-hander Joe Rock to Charlotte to clear a spot for the start. It’s Sandlin’s second tour with the Sox this season.
His first big-league start had the kind of momentum that sticks with fans. After allowing a leadoff homer to Byron Buxton, Sandlin retired the next 18 Twins in order, limiting Minnesota to one hit and striking out four.
But his follow-up against the same opponent came with a sharp reminder of how quickly outcomes can swing. In that second start, Sandlin allowed eight runs in four innings. After his next outing—when he allowed three runs in 3 1/3 innings after an opener—the Sox sent him back down.
For now, the organization is betting on the version of Sandlin that dominated early, not the one that unraveled. In six starts with Charlotte this season, the 25-year-old went 1-0 with a 1.57 ERA and 26 strikeouts.
Rock, also 25, will head back to Charlotte after a quieter first stint in Chicago. Acquired in a trade with the Rays for minor-league infielder Oliver Dunn, Rock posted a 3.48 ERA in 10 1/3 innings with the Sox. He also issued 11 walks and recorded 12 strikeouts across four relief appearances.
The timing matters in a season where the Sox have been finding ways to win. They’re tied for first place in the American League Central with the Guardians, from whom they took two of three this week.
Sandlin’s return, Rock’s demotion, and the Sox’s current position in the standings all land on the same question: can the club keep its momentum while it fine-tunes the rotation? Friday night against the Royals is the next test—one start at a time.
White Sox David Sandlin Joe Rock Royals Triple-A Charlotte Byron Buxton American League Central