White Sox reveal pitching decision ahead of crucial matchup vs. Guardians

In MLB , the Chicago White Sox have revealed their pitching plans for Game 2 of a crucial three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, with the American League Central race tightening.

Left-hander Chris Murphy will start on the mound as the White Sox's opener before Davis Martin takes over in a bulk role.

Sep 9, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Davis Martin (65) delivers the ball during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Murphy was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte earlier this month and has posted a 4.20 ERA across 30 innings for Chicago this season.

The 28-year-old last appeared in the majors on Sept. 9 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, striking out one batter while recording two outs in a 4-2 loss. That outing marked his first appearance for the White Sox since he pitched in back-to-back games against his former team, the Boston Red Sox , in early August.

Martin is expected to handle the majority of Tuesday's innings. The 29-year-old right-hander is in his fourth season with Chicago and has established career-best numbers this year. Through 26 starts, Martin is 9-7 with a 4.05 ERA over 135.2 innings.

His most recent outing also came against Pittsburgh on Sept. 9. Martin worked five innings and surrendered just one earned run on four hits, although Chicago ultimately fell in the contest.

Tuesday's matchup carries significant weight for both clubs. Chicago entered the series holding a slim 1.5-game lead over Cleveland at the top of the American League Central.

The White Sox strengthened their position Monday by opening the three-game set with a convincing 7-3 victory over the Guardians. They will now turn to Murphy and Martin in an effort to secure another important win and create additional separation in the standings.

Cleveland, meanwhile, remains firmly in the postseason picture. The Guardians currently occupy the American League's final Wild Card position, sitting one game ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays .

With the division race and Wild Card battle both becoming increasingly competitive, Tuesday's pitching plan could prove pivotal. Chicago will hope Martin can provide length after Murphy opens the game, while Cleveland will look to even the series and reduce the White Sox's advantage atop the division.