White Sox add former Astros star immediately before weekend set against Tigers

The Chicago White Sox are making a significant pitching change at an important point of the 2026 MLB season, bringing a familiar postseason name back to the major leagues. Chicago announced that right-hander José Urquidy has been recalled, giving the White Sox a veteran pitcher with plenty of postseason experience. The timing couldn’t be better, as Chicago is preparing to open a weekend series against the Detroit Tigers, one of its biggest competitors in the American League Central. MORE: MLB awards predictions for the 2026 season Urquidy returns to the majors Oct 23, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Jose Urquidy (65) throws during the seventh inning of game seven in the ALCS against the Texas Rangers for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports Urquidy is best known for his time with the Houston Astros, where he emerged as a reliable postseason pitcher and helped the organization during its championship runs. Now, the White Sox are hoping he can provide quality innings while adding some much-needed experience to their pitching staff. To make room for Urquidy, Chicago optioned right-hander Tanner McDougal to the minors. The White Sox also placed right-hander Davis Martin on the 15-day injured list because of a right middle finger blister. Martin’s injury comes after an inconsistent stretch. Through the end of May, Martin had thrown 67 2/3 innings with a 2.00 ERA. Since the calendar turned to June, however, his ERA has ballooned to 7.06 over 57 1/3 innings, pushing his season ERA to 4.32. The White Sox are hoping Urquidy can replicate some of the quality innings Martin provided earlier this year. MORE: Scene at Yankee Stadium turns dangerous as 3 fans ran onto the field at the same time White Sox fighting for a playoff spot The roster move comes with Chicago firmly in the playoff hunt. The White Sox are 62-58 and currently hold a 2.5-game lead over the Tigers in the AL Central. They’re attempting to reach the postseason for the first time since 2021, making every game down the stretch increasingly important. Martin will be unavailable for at least a couple of weeks, leaving Chicago without one of its rotation options during a critical portion of the schedule. That’s why adding someone with Urquidy’s experience could prove valuable. The White Sox now have a veteran pitcher joining the team just as they begin a crucial weekend series against Detroit. If Urquidy can deliver the type of innings Chicago needs, this could end up being an important move as the White Sox attempt to finish their season with a playoff berth. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —