The Chicago White Sox, who had a historically poor 2024, are off to a semi-decent start in 2025, with a 2-3 record, good for first place in the AL Central. Sean Burke, Davis Martin, Jonathan Cannon, Martin Perez, and No. 26 prospect Shane Smith have combined for 28 consecutive shutout innings, the fourth-longest stretch by a team’s starts since 1961.
Smith pitched five scoreless innings in his MLB debut, but he allowed two Twins baserunners to score in the sixth inning of Tuesday’s 8-3 loss. The offense has looked sluggish, scoring only two runs combined in the Sox’s losses to the Angels on Saturday and Sunday. As a result, White Sox officials are pleased to watch veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman make his season debut after signing a one-year, $1.95 million contract in December.
Tauchman was injured with a hamstring issue in mid-March and will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday, the team reported. Tauchman returned to minor league play with a bang, hitting a three-run home ball in the fifth inning on Tuesday that traveled 411 feet and had an exit velocity of 105 mph.
Tauchman had a mediocre 2024 with the Cubs, batting.248 with a.723 OPS and seven home runs, but he will undoubtedly provide some punch for the White Sox, particularly on a team with little true offensive star power. Tauchman is eligible for activation on Friday and is anticipated to be if the rest of his rehab assignment goes well.
