Outfielder Braden Montgomery made his professional debut for the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, batting sixth in the lineup.
He is expected to step directly into a regular starting role in right field.
Montgomery was acquired as the final piece of the Garrett Crochet trade less than two years ago.
Manager and Player Comments
Manager Will Venable confirmed the team's plan to use Montgomery as an everyday player.
"We're not going to call him up here and sit him on the bench," Venable said.
"It's fair to say that he's been more productive over his career from the left side of the plate, but he's more than adequate on the right side as well."
Montgomery fills the outfield vacancy created after the organization optioned Rikuu Nishida to the minor leagues.
"I try my best to contribute to winning in all facets," Montgomery said.
"Never the same player. I'm looking to move the needle in all facets of my game each day."
Roster and Pitching Adjustments
Fellow prospect Colson Montgomery sat out the game against a right-handed pitcher due to back tightness.
Venable said the team wanted to give him an extra day after the off day.
The White Sox recalled pitcher Joe Rock from the minors to serve as a bullpen option.
Rock led the Tampa Bay Rays farm system with 139 2/3 innings in 2024.
"Whatever they need me for, I'll be here to do," Rock said.
General Manager Chris Getz addressed scheduling complications for the pitching staff after optioning starter David Sandlin.
"It's probably going to be that way for the next week or so," Getz said.
"Trying to find the appropriate amount of rest to avoid a lack of production or potential lingering issue."
Injury Updates
Getz provided updates on several injured players.
Catcher Kyle Teel is recovering from a sprained right knee and progressing to full squats and quick cuts.
"It's trending in the right direction," Getz said.
Outfielder Austin Hays was placed on the 60-day injured list after a left calf strain.
"He's not recovering great right now so he's going to need more time," Getz said.
Pitcher Noah Schultz played catch Tuesday to test his right knee tendinitis.
Munetaka Murakami remains on a four-to-six-week recovery timeline for a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Pitcher Drew Thorpe is working back from appendicitis, and Shane Smith continues to recover from rotator cuff soreness.
