The Chicago White Sox reshuffled their pitching staff Friday after placing right-hander Davis Martin on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his right middle finger. The club also recalled José Urquidy and Tyler Schweitzer from Triple-A Charlotte, while Tanner McDougal was optioned to the minors ahead of the series opener against the Detroit Tigers.
The moves come after Martin exited Thursday's loss to the Cincinnati Reds following just two innings. He was ejected after hitting Sal Stewart in the helmet, and it was later revealed that the blister had affected his grip and command.
Martin's injury arrives at a difficult time for Chicago, which enters the weekend atop the American League Central at 62-58, holding a 2.5-game lead over the Tigers. The division rivals begin a crucial three-game series Friday night.
Martin looked like one of Chicago's most reliable starters early in the season before running into trouble over his past seven outings. His recent struggles coincided with the finger issue that ultimately sent him to the injured list.
The White Sox turned to experience by bringing back Urquidy, a former World Series champion with the Houston Astros who is expected to help stabilize the rotation during Martin's absence. Schweitzer also returns after posting a 2.78 ERA across 22.2 major league innings earlier this season, giving manager Will Venable another left-handed bullpen option.
McDougal's option created room on the active roster for the pair as Chicago attempts to reinforce a pitching staff entering one of its biggest series of the season.
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The Tigers, who sit at 60-61, have won seven of their last 10 games and trail Chicago by just 2.5 games in the division. With the race tightening, every game this weekend carries added significance.
For the White Sox, Friday's roster moves are about finding enough pitching depth to keep their division lead intact while Martin recovers. Urquidy and Schweitzer will immediately be asked to help fill that void against a surging Detroit club.
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