White Sox Deploy Burke in Bulk Role for ALDS Game 2

The Chicago White Sox will continue an unorthodox pitching approach for Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Monday at Progressive Field, as MLB.com first reported. Manager Will Venable confirmed that left-hander Anthony Kay will serve as the opener to face the top of the Cleveland lineup, which includes Steven Kwan, José Ramírez, and Chase DeLauter, before giving way to right-hander Sean Burke in a bulk role.

Burke, 26, is coming off a regular season where he recorded 185 strikeouts and a 3.34 ERA over 172 1/3 innings. While he surrendered three solo home runs in his first postseason start, Venable told MLB.com he is not concerned about the long ball, instead emphasizing Burke's ability to win the "race to two strikes."

This strategy leverages Burke's history with the bulk role; he pitched behind an opener five times this season and six times in 2025. Additionally, Burke has been highly effective against the Guardians, posting a career 2.56 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings, including a 1.04 ERA over 17 1/3 innings this year. Burke told MLB.com his focus remains on being aggressive in the zone and utilizing his variety of pitches—including a sinker, cutter, slider, knuckle-curve, and four-seamer—to take control of at-bats.

Depending on availability and matchups, the White Sox may also utilize right-hander Grant Taylor and left-hander Hagen Smith. Both players contributed to a Game 1 victory, with Smith throwing 2 2/3 hitless innings and Taylor recording a 12-out save over four scoreless frames. Venable noted to MLB.com that the team intends to be responsible with their usage to avoid injuries.