Chicago White Sox make Colson Montgomery move for Game 1 vs. Astros

Shortstop Colson Montgomery’s 31 home runs are the third-most on the Chicago White Sox. But he also set a new MLB single season record with 227 strikeouts.

Of course, the White Sox want Montgomery to be more consistent at the plate. Especially in the playoffs, Chicago can’t afford an untimely strikeout. But at the same time, Montgomery is a major power source for the South Siders. They don’t want his bat out of the lineup.

Taking on the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Series, Montgomery and the White Sox at large have plenty to prove. The shortstop is looking to show he isn’t a liability. And Chicago wants the MLB world to acknowledge their regular season wasn’t a fluke.

With both player and team aligned, the White Sox are ready for Game 1. Still, Montgomery will be in a situation he hasn’t been throughout the entire 2026 campaign.

Chicago White Sox move Colson Montgomery to ninth

Chicago White Sox, Colson Montgomery — Jul 19, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery (12) reacts after his single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fourth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, Montgomery will be batting ninth. It marks the first time the shortstop has hit from that spot in the lineup all season.

The @whitesox lineup for Game 1 of the AL Wild Card vs. Houston

Tune in to White Sox Countdown Live at 3:30 p.m.: https://t.co/NM28HuX6pk pic.twitter.com/524jjZLoEK

— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) September 29, 2026

Most often, Montgomery has bat from the cleanup position in 2026. But with this now being the playoffs, manager Will Venable decided to shake things up. Montgomery has moved all around the lineup this season, hitting at every spot except leadoff and ninth, so it’s not like he is locked into being the clean up hitter. Still, the shortstop will face a different challenge come Game 1.

With his strikeout issues, Venable likely didn’t want to risk that possibility in the middle of the lineup. But at the same time, there aren’t many nine hitters who smashed 30+ home runs in 2026. Chicago is hoping having a power hitter at the bottom will make their lineup more dynamic.

With a .197 average, alongside the strikeouts, stability has not been the name of Montgomery’s game. But 31 home runs and 87 RBIs are hard to replicated. The White Sox will hope the shortstop’s power stroke plays from the bottom of the lineup.

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