Will Venable outlines expectations for struggling Luis Castillo and potential changes

Manager Will Venable has done an impressive job in his first season at the helm of the Chicago White Sox. For much of the season, his club has held the top spot in the American League Central while maintaining the No. 2 seed in the playoff picture. However, a recent series loss to the Houston Astros, who are right on their heels in the standings, has tightened the race and left the White Sox with little room for error down the stretch.

That said, 2026 trade deadline acquisition Luis Castillo has struggled since joining the White Sox. Through his first six starts, Castillo owns a 7.52 ERA and has completed at least five innings just once. He has also surrendered four or more earned runs in four of those outings. Following his most recent start Thursday against the Astros, when he allowed six earned runs over 4.0 innings, Venable provided some clarity on his expectations for Castillo down the stretch, as well as the potential for changes moving forward.

Will Venable will be shortening the leash on Luis Castillo going forward

Venable’s message to reporters regarding Castillo’s recent struggles was one of confidence in the veteran right-hander, but also not naive to the fact that changes are needed.

“We have high confidence in him. We had a conversation with him to reaffirm that. His job isn’t to go out there and throw six scoreless; he just needs to give us a chance to win. There have been a couple where we haven’t been able to get there, but we believe he can.”

As for potential changes, Venable was not opposed to using an opener for Castillo moving forward. He also emphasized that the games ahead will need to be managed much like playoff games, with the entire pitching staff available and shorter leashes when pitchers run into trouble.

Ultimately, Castillo’s struggles have created a difficult situation for Venable and the White Sox, as they hoped he would address an area they needed improvement in, but the opposite has occurred. While the club clearly still believes in the veteran right-hander, the margin for error is shrinking with the postseason race tightening.

Castillo will likely need to find a way to regain his form quickly, whether that comes as a traditional starter or in a potentially modified role. With every game carrying increased importance down the stretch, the White Sox will need results more than anything from their deadline acquisition.

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