Tommy Pham launches clutch, go-ahead, 3-run home run for his first hit of season after elevator pitch to GM to play

Tommy Pham has finally registered a hit in the 2026 MLB season.

He came into Wednesday's game between the White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians 0-for-14 this season, then launched a clutch, go-ahead, three-run home run in the top of the fifth inning.

Pham had played only one game for the White Sox since he was acquired via trade at the end of August and called up after rosters expanded at the start of September. He sustained a calf injury and had been on the 10-day IL since Sept. 6.

On Tuesday night, Pham reportedly found himself in the elevator with Chicago general manager Chris Getz. Pham pitched his case to Getz, letting the GM know he was healthy and ready to return to the lineup.

Getz apparently listened, as Pham was activated for Wednesday's game and batting cleanup.

The 38-year-old's first two at-bats went the way his previous 14 had gone this season. He grounded out to shortstop in the top of the first inning, then struck out looking in the top of the fourth.

But in the fifth inning, Pham's elevator pitch paid off. After singles from Chase Meidroth and Randal Grichuk , Pham saw just one pitch, an 80-mph curveball, and deposited it 412 feet into the left-center-field seats. It put the White Sox up 3-2 at the time.

Unfortunately, Chicago couldn't hold the lead and lost the game 6-3, surrendering the AL Central lead to the Guardians .

With the win, Cleveland has a half-game lead over Chicago in the division race. The White Sox fall into wild-card position, holding a 1.5-game lead over the Texas Rangers for the final AL playoff spot.

After Wednesday's series finale, Chicago will conclude the regular season with four games against the Detroit Tigers , three games at the Kansas City Royals and a three-game homestand against the Colorado Rockies . Those three teams have a combined 194-259 record as of Wednesday.