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.
Delmarva Shorebirds Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule!
Get ready for Shorebirds baseball season this year as the Shorebirds Promotional Schedule & Individual Game Tickets for the 2025 season are NOW AVAILABLE! Don't miss out on the chance to witness all the excitement, thrill, and unforgettable moments as the Shorebirds battle it out at Perdue Stadium this season.
Spring Breakout: The Future of The Game on Display
Spring training is well underway and baseball is finally here. While spring training is a chance to see new roster additions, possible starting lineups, and our favorite familiar stars, Major League Baseball (MLB) is bringing back year two of its new Sping Breakout! In 2024, the MLB launched a new
Shorebirds 2025 Hot Stove Raises over $13,500 for Fly Together Fund!
Even though the Shorebirds’ April 8 home opener against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers is about a month away, longtime season ticket holder Vicki Parks is already counting down the days. And her countdown began with the team’s annual Hot Stove Banquet on Jan. 30 at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.
Delmarva Shorebirds Announce Renovations to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium
SALISBURY, Md. -- The Delmarva Shorebirds, in conjunction with the Maryland Stadium Authority and Wicomico County, are excited to announce renovations to Arthur W. Perdue Stadium ahead of the 2025 season of Shorebirds baseball. The project includes a new 9,000 sq ft indoor performance center, along with renovations to clubhouses,
Shorebirds Announce Wild Ponies Identity in tribute to Delmarva Attraction
Salisbury, Md. - The Delmarva Shorebirds will take the field on Saturday, May 17 as the Delmarva Wild Ponies in a special identity that pays tribute to the historic Wild Ponies that inhabit Assateague Island. As part of this special identity, the Wild Ponies brand will feature on-field jerseys and
Shorebirds Introduce New Sherman Logo for 2025 Season!
Salisbury, MD -- A staple of any Delmarva Shorebirds game is our beloved mascot, Sherman the Shorebird. From his orange fluffy fur, colorful hair, and that great, big yellow beak, Sherman is one of the backbones of the Delmarva Shorebirds and creating lifelong memories at Perdue Stadium each and every
Delmarva Sports Network to Broadcast Expanded Delmarva Shorebirds Schedule Live
Salisbury, Md. – The Delmarva Sports Network (DSN) and the Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce the continuation and growth of their groundbreaking partnership. In 2025, fans will have the opportunity to watch 25 thrilling Shorebirds games broadcast live on free over-the-air television—a significant expansion from last year’s schedule of
Delmarva Shorebirds Field Staff Announced for 2025 Season!
The Delmarva Shorebirds, in conjunction with the Baltimore Orioles, are thrilled to announce the coaching staff for the upcoming 2025 season of Shorebirds baseball. Returning to the Shorebirds in his second season as skipper is former Shorebirds infielder Collin Woody who is joined by Casey Day, Christian Poulsen, Luis Silverio,
Shorebirds 2024 Season Recap
The 2024 season was a year of development for the Delmarva Shorebirds featuring a young team, specifically on the position player side, that endured their struggles in the early season. The team fought through a tough April where they finished 3-18, but began to find their way in May. In
Baltimore Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde Highlights 2025 Shorebirds Hot Stove Banquet
SALISBURY, MD – Baltimore Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde will serve as the featured guest at the Delmarva Shorebirds’ 22nd annual Hot Stove Banquet presented by Carey Distributors, Delmarva Sports Network (DSN), Gilbane Building Company, Sharp Water Culligan, and TidalHealth Home Care. The event will be held at the Wicomico Youth
Sherman and the Shorebirds 2024 Christmas Parade Schedule
Get ready for some holiday magic, Delmarva! Our Shorebirds are gearing up to spread some joy at the upcoming Christmas parades, and guess who’s joining the festive fun? That’s right, our beloved mascot Sherman! Mark your calendars for these merry dates: - Dec. 2 – Pocomoke (Starts @ 7 PM)
Shorebirds & Preston Automotive Group Raise over $4,900 in Funds and Toys Through Flock for a Cure
SALISBURY, MD – On August 3rd, 2024, the Delmarva Shorebirds and Preston Automotive Group were proud to team up for Flock for a Cure night at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. The main mission of the night was to support and raise awareness for those affected by cancer. Shorebirds players wore
Shorebirds in the Spotlight: 2024 Silver Slugger Finalists Make Their Mark
As the 2024 MLB season has come to a close, the spotlight shines on some of the game's top offensive talents. With the announcement of the Silver Slugger Award finalists, this prestigious honor recognizes the best hitters at each position in both the American and National Leagues, celebrating players who
Delmarva Shorebirds Alum Highlighted as Gold Glove Finalists
Salisbury, MD: On October 15, 2024, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced the finalists for this year’s Rawling’s Gold Glove Award winners. Among the finalists were former Shorebirds and current Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle and Left Fielder Colton Cowser. In addition, former Shorebird and current Arizona Diamondbacks First Baseman
Delmarva Hits Three Home Runs in Regular Season Finale
Shorebirds Finish 2024 Season with Win Over Mudcats Delmarva Hits Three Home Runs in Regular Season Finale ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (53-78, 30-36) ended the 2024 regular season with a 9-3 victory over the Carolina Mudcats (78-51, 37-27). After a scoreless first two innings, the Shorebirds struck with a
Mudcats Use Big Innings to Run Away from Shorebirds
Carolina Handily Defeats Delmarva on Saturday Night Mudcats Use Big Innings to Run Away from Shorebirds ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (52-78, 29-36) were defeated by the Carolina Mudcats (78-50, 39-25) on Saturday by a final of 18-4. The Shorebirds faced a sizeable deficit early as the Mudcats scored six
Cravey, Cartaya, and Glassey Combine to Blank Mudcats
Shorebirds Even Series with Shutout Victory Cravey, Cartaya, and Glassey Combine to Blank Mudcats ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (52-77, 29-35) completed their ninth shutout victory of the season on Friday as they blanked the Carolina Mudcats (77-50, 36-26) by a final score of 3-0. After a scoreless first three
Rodriguez & Tuft Each Drive Home Three Runs to Pace Delmarva
Shorebirds Offense Explodes for 12 Runs in Victory Over the Mudcats Rodriguez & Tuft Each Drive Home Three Runs to Pace Delmarva ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (51-77, 28-35) secured their first win at Five County Stadium against the Carolina Mudcats (77-49, 36-25) on Thursday by a final of 12-6.
Carolina Wins First Two Games Against Delmarva
Shorebirds Blanked by Mudcats on Wednesday Night Carolina Wins First Two Games Against Delmarva ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (50-77, 27-35) suffered their second-straight loss to the Carolina Mudcats (77-48, 36-24) on Wednesday as they were defeated 4-0. The Mudcats grabbed a first-inning lead for the second night in a
Shorebirds Unable to Overcome Seven-First Inning by Mudcats
Carolina Top Delmarva in Series Opener Shorebirds Unable to Overcome Seven-First Inning by Mudcats ZEBULON, NC: The Delmarva Shorebirds (50-76, 27-34) were defeated by the Carolina Mudcats (76-48, 35-24) on Tuesday night by a final of 11-3. The Shorebirds faced a sizeable deficit early as the Mudcats scored seven runs
Delmarva Falls One Run Short in Home Finale
Red Sox Edge Shorebirds in Series Finale Delmarva Falls One Run Short in Home Finale SALISBURY, MD: The Delmarva Shorebirds (50-75, 27-33) fell to the Salem Red Sox (67-59, 33-27) on Sunday afternoon by a final of 6-5. The Red Sox grabbed an early lead in the first thanks to
Shorebirds Release Promotional Schedule & Single-Game Tickets for 2024 Season!
Get ready for the Shorebirds baseball season this year as the Shorebirds Promotional Schedule & Individual Game Tickets for the 2024 season are NOW AVAILABLE! Don't miss out on the chance to witness all the excitement, thrill, and unforgettable moments as the Shorebirds battle it out at Perdue Stadium this
Shorebirds Announce Daily Promotions for 2024 Season!
The Delmarva Shorebirds are excited to announce the Daily Promotions for the 2024 season of Shorebirds baseball! This season features the return of fan-favorites while having something for the whole family at each Shorebirds game! The Shorebirds 2024 Daily Promotion Lineup includes: - Tuesday: Valvoline Instant Oil Change Merchandise Book