Southpaw Spring Breakout: White Sox future on display with Schultz, Smith
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If all goes as planned for the White Sox, left-handers Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz won’t spend much time following each other to the mound in a single game. Schultz, the No. 1 White Sox prospect and No. 16 overall, per MLB Pipeline, and Smith, who is
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If all goes as planned for the White Sox, left-handers Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz won’t spend much time following each other to the mound in a single game.
Schultz, the No. 1 White Sox prospect and No. 16 overall, per MLB Pipeline, and Smith, who is No. 3 in Chicago's system and No. 34 overall, figure to be the cornerstones of a strong future starting rotation. But they were paired together during a 3-1 loss to the Rockies' prospects as part of Sunday’s Spring Breakout contest at Camelback Ranch, much like they were doing in two Cactus League appearances while in big league camp.
Smith started Sunday, working two hitless innings and striking out one, while Schultz went hitless through the third and fourth with two strikeouts. It was Schultz who took the mound first in those Cactus League contests.
“It’s really cool,” said Smith, who threw 17 of his 30 pitches for strikes. “It’s cool to pitch on the same day as him.”
“We got a good thing going,” said Schultz, who fired 16 of his 22 pitches in the zone. “Next week we have three innings. So we’ll see if we are [again], but it’s fun coming in after him.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
According to Statcast, Smith topped out at 96 mph and recorded four swings and misses. Schultz hit 95.7 mph while incorporating six pitches, generating four swings and misses among his work.
This pairing of the game’s top two left-handed pitching prospects, per Pipeline, might not end in Spring Training, as Schultz, Smith and right-hander Grant Taylor, the White Sox No. 7 prospect who did not pitch Sunday, could be part of the same rotation in Double-A Birmingham to open the 2025 season. It’s their next collective step toward the Majors.
“Today was a good start for us,” Schultz said of the White Sox system as a whole. “It’s just great the bonds we have together on and off the field. It’s a big part in success.”
Meet the Montgomerys
They aren't related despite sharing the same last name, but shortstop Colson Montgomery (MLB's No. 39 overall prospect) and center fielder Braden Montgomery (No. 54 overall) showed off similar top-notch glove work Sunday.
Colson took a hit away from Adael Amador to open the fourth by ranging into the hole between third base and shortstop, then throwing across his body on the jump to make a perfect throw to first baseman Tim Elko. Braden saved a big inning in the fifth by making a diving catch on Bryant Betancourt’s line drive, stranding runners on first and third.
“I actually thought I was kind of late jumping to it,” Colson said of his play. “I had a good angle to the ball and I knew he was a pretty decent runner, so I had to just get it and throw it.
“To be honest, I didn’t see where Tim was, so kind of just threw it over in the general direction. It worked. You practice those all the time, though. I felt good.”
Basepath mass
With two outs in the fifth inning, Elko was hit on the hand by a Jack Mahoney pitch. He took a minute to get to first, as the crowd oohed and ahhed, but then quickly made his way to third on George Wolkow’s single to center.
That’s Elko, at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, and Wolkow at 6-foot-7, 239 pounds. It’s the White Sox version of the jumbo package on the basepaths.
Wolkow flew out to left fielder Sterlin Thompson at the wall to end the third inning, and his single registered a 114.8 mph exit velocity, per Statcast. And remember, he’s only 19 years old.
“Both of them are extremely large males,” said a smiling Colson.
“He’s electric,” added Colson of Wolkow, who he played with for the first time on Sunday. “He’s a very positive, high-energy guy. So it’s kind of cool to be around.”
Bullish on Bergolla
Who is William Bergolla?
For openers, he’s the Minor League infielder acquired from the Phillies in exchange for left-handed reliever Tanner Banks at the 2024 Trade Deadline. He’s also one of the slightly under-the-radar White Sox prospects to watch, according to director of player development Paul Janish.
“I don’t know if this is a total sleeper,” Janish said of Chicago's No. 16 prospect. “But he’s got a really unique defensive ability and skillset in a premium position.”
Bergolla, 20, started at second Sunday, making a slick fielding play and then flipping the ball to first base with his glove to nail Drew Romo. He also doubled, swiped third and scored a run, while showing seemingly effortless cool while applying the tag on stolen-base attempts at second. He’s already one of the better defensive infielders in the system.
Senior Reporter Scott Merkin has covered the White Sox for MLB.com since 2003.
Late Comeback Falls Short as Sod Poodles Escape with Victory
AMARILLO, Texas (April 23, 2025) – After a one hour and 29-minute rain delay, a rare low-scoring game took place at Hodgetown. San Antonio Missions starter Henry Bàez struck out seven while allowing just two runs, and Avery Short pitched into the seventh inning for the Amarillo Sod Poodles. The
Pointy Boots Clobber Five Homers to Beat Missions
AMARILLO, Texas (April 22, 2025) – After the Missions jumped on top with a Francisco Acuña grand slam, the Amarillo Sod Poodles, playing as the Pointy Boots, scored 15 unanswered runs on the way to a 15-4 win over the Missions. Amarillo blasted five home runs, including three in the
Naturals Earn Series Split with Sunday Win in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – The Northwest Arkansas Naturals pounced on the San Antonio Missions with 12 runs on 14 hits to earn a series split in the Alamo City. Peyton Wilson drove in three runs with four hits, including two triples, and Ryan Ramsey followed up his inclusion in Tuesday’s no
Wolf Twirls Another Gem, Missions Lose in Extras
SAN ANTONIO, (April 19, 2025) – The pitcher’s duel between the Naturals and Missions was as advertised in San Antonio Saturday night, as both offenses were silenced through eleven innings. However, it was the Naturals who ultimately came out on top 6-0 after pulling away in the 12th inning thanks
Castañon Walks Off Naturals in Friday Night Thriller
SAN ANTONIO, (April 18, 2025) – With two outs in the tenth inning and the bases loaded, Marcos Castañon dribbled a ball to third and barely beat out the throw to send 5,877 fans at Wolff Stadium into a frenzy. The walk-off infield single gave the San Antonio Missions an
Flying Chanclas Soar in Comeback Win Against Naturals
Despite trailing 3-0 early, the Flying Chanclas de San Antonio stormed back to defeat the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 7-4. Two-run blasts from Miami natives Romeo Sanabria and Anthony Vilar gave the Missions a 4-3 lead in the sixth frame, and after the Naturals tied it, Kai Murphy put the Chanclas
Haynes Picks Up His First Win as San Antonio Defeats Northwest Arkansas
SAN ANTONIO – Jagger Haynes picked up his first Double-A win thanks in large part to a three-run homer from Moisès Gòmez as the Missions defeated the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 4-1. The 22-year-old Opening Day starter for the Missions scattered four hits and two walks across 5.2 innings in which
Four Naturals Pitchers Combine for No-Hitter in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – For the fourth time in franchise history, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals completed a no-hitter on Tuesday night. Ryan Ramsey, Chazz Martinez, Ryan Brady and Brandon Johnson combined to hold the San Antonio Missions without a hit as they defeated the Missions 3-0 at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Ramsey
Wolf’s Stellar Outing Helps Missions Clinch Series in Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Jackson Wolf’s five nearly perfect innings led the San Antonio Missions to an 8-2 Sunday evening win over the Corpus Christi Hooks. Wolf struck out seven and allowed just one base runner—an infield single—as he provided the Missions with both their longest start of the 2025
Fleury Dazzles as Hooks Shut Out Missions
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – José Fleury sparkled on the mound with six scoreless innings and nine strikeouts as the Corpus Christi Hooks silenced the San Antonio Missions in a 2-0 victory. Fleury still has not allowed a run in 2025 across 11 innings on the mound, and he had everything
Late Rally Lifts Hooks Over Missions
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Luis Castro’s two-run single in the seventh jumped the Corpus Christi Hooks ahead of the San Antonio Missions, and the home team held on for the 4-3 win before a great crowd of 6,212 at Whataburger Field. Despite 11 hits by the Missions, they stranded nine
San Antonio Pulls Out Comeback Win in Extra Innings
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The San Antonio Missions continued to prove their resilience with a 4-3 extra-inning win over the Corpus Christi Hooks. Despite falling behind for the sixth straight game, the Missions improved to 5-1 on the 2025 season thanks to more stellar efforts from their bullpen, solid defense
Missions Erupt for Eight Runs on 15 Hits to Beat Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Romeo Sanabria continued his remarkable start to the 2025 campaign with a four-hit effort that included a three-run home run as the Missions jumped all over the Corpus Christi Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits in an 8-4 win. The Missions recorded 15 hits, their most since June
Romeo Sanabria’s Late Homer Vaults Missions Over Hooks
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – With the game tied at three in the eighth inning, Romeo Sanabria clubbed what turned out to be the game-winning home run as the Missions escaped with a series-opening 4-3 win over the Hooks. San Antonio’s bullpen got the job done again, as Jake Higginbotham struck
Sod Poodles Hold Off Late Missions Rally to Prevent Sweep
SAN ANTONIO – Through two days it seemed like there was nothing the Sod Poodles could do to slow down a fiery Missions offense. That was until Spencer Giesting took the mound for Amarillo in the last game of a three-game set, preventing a Missions sweep as the Sod Poodles
Homer Fiesta Propels Missions to Opening Series Win
SAN ANTONIO, TX – It is said that home runs come in bunches, and on Saturday night in San Antonio, they came in the form of three first-inning bombs. The trio of Moisés Gòmez, Marcos Castañon and Brandon Valenzuela helped lift the Missions to an 8-2 rout of the Amarillo
Four-run Fourth Holds off Rain, Sod Poodles on Opening Day of 2025
SAN ANTONIO, TX – A four-run fourth inning was enough to hold off both the rain and the Amarillo Sod Poodles on the way to a 5-4 Opening Day victory for the Missions. The eventful day was highlighted by a two-hit performance from Devin Ortiz, including a solo home run
Missions Reveal 2025 Promotional Calendar
SAN ANTONIO, March 6, 2025 — The San Antonio Missions are releasing a jam-packed promotional schedule for the 2025 season. Fans flowing into Nelson Wolff Stadium will be treated to 14 giveaway items, fireworks or drone shows every Saturday night, eight theme nights and so much more. The party starts
Padres Unveil 2025 San Antonio Missions Coaching Staff
SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 17, 2025 — The San Antonio Missions, in accordance with the San Diego Padres, are thrilled to announce their coaching staff for the 2025 season. Luke Montz returns for his third consecutive season as manager. Joining Montz is pitching coach Jeff Andrews, who will also be in
Missions in the Bigs - 2024
73 Players Across 28 Teams SAN ANTONIO – Year in and year out, Missions players are leaving their mark on Major League Baseball. The Missions have an illustrious history dating back to 1888. Over that time, players like Adrian Beltre, Pedro Martinez, Joe Morgan, Mike Piazza, Brooks Robinson and Fernando
2025 Home Game Times Announced
Home Opener Friday, April 4th at 7:05 p.m. Against Amarillo SAN ANTONIO – The official game times for the San Antonio Missions 2025 season have been announced. The Missions will host the Amarillo Sod Poodles for opening night at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, April 4th. San Antonio will play most
Banana Ball Coming to Wolff Stadium in 2025
Texas Tailgaters to Play the Party Animals on September 12th and 13th SAN ANTONIO – Nelson Wolff Stadium will host Banana Ball on Friday, September 12th and Saturday, September 13th of 2025. This was announced during the Banana Ball World Tour City Draft Thursday night. The Texas Tailgaters will square
Henry Baez Named Padres MiLB Pitcher of the Year
Former Missions OF Tirso Ornelas Named MiLB Player of the Year SAN ANTONIO – The San Diego Padres announced Sunday their 2024 MiLB Player and Pitcher of the Year. Missions pitcher Henry Baez and former Missions outfielder Tirso Ornelas were each recognized for their performances this season. Baez, 21, made
San Antonio Ends the Season with A Victory
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions concluded the 2024 season on Sunday. The club finished the season on a high note with a 9-5 victory over the Springfield Cardinals. With a strong start from Daniel Camarena, plus a four-run sixth inning, the Missions defeated the Cardinals. San Antonio finished
Mears Leaves the Yard in Saturday Night Defeat
SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Missions continued their six-game series with the Springfield Cardinals Saturday night. Both clubs were held scoreless until the fifth inning when Springfield plated three runs. Joshua Mears homered for the second straight night to cut the deficit to 3-2. Matt Svanson converted his 27th