Chicago White Sox announce disappointing injury news on top pitching prospect

It is June 16, and the Chicago White Sox, to the surprise of just about everyone, are in first place in the American League Central Division. At 38-32, they have the third best record in the American League as a whole. Indeed, very few, if anyone, saw the White Sox being this good, much less a winning team, in 2026.

About a week ago, fans were looking at the upcoming schedule with a bit of trepidation. While Chicago was winning games, they faced an upcoming series of games against the best teams in baseball.

So far, they are 4-1 in this stretch and have a great deal of confidence ahead of their series against the New York Yankees. Unfortunately, not all the news out of Chicago is good.

Chicago White Sox prospect Hagen Smith is being shut down for a couple weeks

On Tuesday afternoon, it was reported that the White Sox top pitching prospect, Hagen Smith, is being shut down for a couple of weeks:

Injury update: Hagen Smith has left shoulder impingement. He will be shut down from throwing for two weeks and then ramp back up for two weeks before returning to game action, per team.

— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) June 16, 2026

This is not the best news, not only because of the young pitcher’s physical well-being, but also because he was just on the brink of being called up to the Majors this past weekend.

According to White Sox insider Brian Murphy, “Prior to Tuesday’s game against the Yankees, White Sox manager Will Venable said that the team considered calling up Smith to start Saturday’s game against the Dodgers at Rate Field. However, a rainout of Chicago’s game on Thursday against the Braves allowed the club to reset its rotation, and Sean Burke faced the Dodgers instead.”

Smith is 0-5 with a 4.67 ERA in 14 starts in Triple-A this year.

More Chicago White Sox news from ChiCity Sports

• Forgotten White Sox prospect tied to 3x All-Star released after 6 seasons
• White Sox reportedly have confusing MLB trade deadline plans
• White Sox hit with dose of reality by MLB analyst

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