Chicago White Sox shake up roster before Guardians rubber match

The Chicago White Sox entered a pivotal matchup against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. Whoever wins will have officially clinched the three-game series. Furthermore, they’d take one step closer to winning the NL Central.

Before first pitch, the White Sox decided to shake things up. Outfielder Tommy Pham has been activated from the 10-day injured list, the team announced. In turn, catcher Edgar Quero has been optioned to Triple-A. Right-handed pitcher Drew Thorpe was activated off the injured list and optioned to Triple-A.

pic.twitter.com/lchuS2cTX1

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 16, 2026

Pham hit the injured list in early September with a calf strain. He just needed the minimum 10 days to get back into action. In fact, he made sure general manager Chris Getz knew he was ready after running into him in an elevator, via Jesse Rogers of ESPN.

“Tommy Pham (calf) activated and batting cleanup for the White Sox,” Rogers wrote. “He said he ran into Chris Getz in the elevator last night and told him he was ready. “What happens if you don’t run into him?” “Probably wait till this weekend.”

Chicago White Sox need Tommy Pham’s bat 

The White Sox acquired Pham with hopes he would add an extra spark to their offense. Chicago has scored more than three runs just three times over their last eight games. Pham will be thrown into the fire immediately, batting cleanup on Wednesday.

He hasn’t done much over his 10 total games in 2026. But in 2025, Pham hit .245 with 10 home runs, 52 RBIs and five stolen bases through 120 games with the Pirates Pirates. He is a career .256 hitter with 149 home runs, 522 RBIs and 131 stolen bases over his 13-year run.

Pham won’t suddenly turn the White Sox into world beaters over night. But at the very least, he will need to be an impactful battle in the middle of Chicago’s lineup.

The post Chicago White Sox shake up roster before Guardians rubber match appeared first on ChiCitySports.