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.
The Modesto Nuts Announce 2025 Promo Schedule
The Modesto Nuts are entering their final season in Modesto and are excited to announce the release of the 2025 promotion schedule. The season will be filled with excitement for all 66 games with highlights including firework shows, giveaways, jersey auctions plus many more! Fan-favorite Lucha Libre Night returns for
Explore the Best Live Events in Modesto
Modesto Entertainment Guide - Nuts Edition TicketSmarter is delighted to extend a special 5% discount (code - NUTS5) to fans of the Modesto Nuts, offering access to an array of live events in Modesto, Oakland, and the surrounding areas. Dive into our vast selection of over 125,000 concerts, sports events,
Modesto Nuts Announce Sale to Diamond Baseball Holdings
MODESTO, CALIF. (December 12, 2024) – The Modesto Nuts today announced that the SeattleMariners have entered into an agreement to sell the club to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that owns and operates select Minor League Baseball clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB). As part of DBH’s acquisition,
Modesto Nuts Win Nailbiter to Claim Back-to-Back Cal League Championships
In a thrilling finale at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts secured their second consecutive California League Championship and the 11th in Modesto’s Cal League history by edging out the Lake Elsinore Storm 2-1 in Game 3 of the best-of-three series. With an electric atmosphere and palpable tension, the Nuts
Nuts takes home second straight Cal League title
Having missed out on its first opportunity to clinch a second consecutive championship, the Modesto Nuts made sure the California League crown remained at John Thurman Field on Wednesday night. The Seattle affiliate put on a pitching clinic, edging Lake Elsinore, 2-1, in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the Championship
Storm Win Big over the Nuts to Force a Winner Take All Game 3
Storm Win Big over the Nuts to Force a Winner Take All Game 3 Final Score: Storm 9, Nuts 2 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Lake Elsinore defeats Modesto in Game 2 of the California League Championship series to even up the series at one game apiece. In a commanding
Nuts Win Back and Forth Thriller to Take Game 1 of the Cal League Championship
MODESTO NUTS (1-0) @ Lake Elsinore Storm (0-1) 1:15 pm Nuts Win Back and Forth Thriller to Take Game 1 of the Cal League Championship Final Score: Nuts 10, Storm 8 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Lake Elsinore in Game 1 of the California League Championship series In
Nuts Sweep Giants to Advance to Championship Series
Nuts Sweep Giants to Advance to Championship Series Final Score: Nuts 6, Giants 2 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats San Jose 6-2 In a decisive Game 2, the Modesto Nuts defeated the San Jose Giants 6-2 to sweep the best-of-three series and advance to the California League Championship
Modesto Closes Out the Regular Season on a Winning Note
Modesto Closes Out the Regular Season on a Winning Note Final Score: Nuts 8, Ports 2 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Stockton 8-2 On the final day of the regular season, the Modesto Nuts secured an 8-2 victory over the Stockton Ports at John Thurman Field, demonstrating their
Offensive Barrage Continue as the Nuts Beat the Ports
Offensive Barrage Continue as the Nuts Beat the Ports Final Score: Nuts 15, Ports 4 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Stockton 15-4 In a decisive victory in which the offense once again produced double digit runs, the Modesto Nuts triumphed over the Stockton Ports with an impressive 15-4
Nuts Offensive Onslaught Overpowers Stockton
Nuts Offensive Onslaught Overpowers Stockton Final Score: Nuts 14, Ports 4 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Stockton 14-4 On Fireworks at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts defeated the Stockton Ports 14-4, showcasing a dominant offensive performance that overwhelmed the Ports' pitching staff. The Nuts' offensive explosion was
Ports Power too much for Modesto to Overcome
Ports Power too much for Modesto to Overcome Final Score: Ports 9, Nuts 5 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Stockton defeats Modesto 9-5 The Stockton Ports emerged victorious over the Modesto Nuts with a final score of 9-5 in a Cal League matchup at John Thurman Field. The Ports' explosive
Pagliarini’s Clutch Knock Pushes Nuts Past Ports
Pagliarini’s Clutch Knock Pushes Nuts Past Ports Final Score: Nuts 4, Ports 3 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Stockton 4-3 In a California League North Division clash at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts edged out the Stockton Ports 4-3. The Nuts, now with a 70-56 record, showcased
Caron’s Homerun Carries Modesto to Victory
Caron’s Homerun Carries Modesto to Victory Final Score: Nuts 5, Ports 3 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats Stockton 5-3 In a comeback thriller at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts emerged victorious over the Stockton Ports with a final score of 5-3. The game was a tale of
Good Guys Split Series with San Jose
Good Guys Split Series with San Jose Final Score: Nuts 9, Giants 8 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats San Jose 9-8 In a Cal League North Division matchup at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts edged out the San Jose Giants 9-8 in a game that kept fans
Pagliarini’s Clutch Knock gives the Good Guys the Win
Pagliarini’s Clutch Knock gives the Good Guys the Win Final Score: Nuts 7, Giants 6 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats San Jose 7-6 In a gripping contest at John Thurman Field, the Modesto Nuts secured a 7-6 victory over the San Jose Giants, in another close contest between
Nuts Walk it Off in Extra Innings
Nuts Walk it Off in Extra Innings Final Score: Nuts 4, Giants 3 F/10 innings By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Modesto defeats San Jose 4-3 in 10 innings In another thrilling extra-inning contest at John Thurman Field, the Nuts edged out the Giants 4-3 in a ten-inning battle that kept
Nuts use Big Blasts to Salvage Series Finale against Visalia
Final Score: Nuts 7, Rawhide 3 By: Micah Mashore The Modesto Nuts emerged victorious with a 7-3 win over the Visalia Rawhide in an exciting contest at John Thurman Field on August 11. The Nuts’ offensive attack was led by a powerful performance from DH Tai Peete, who blasted with
Rawhide top Nuts in back and forth Battle
Rawhide top Nuts in back and forth Battle Final Score: Rawhide 12, Nuts 8 By: Micah Mashore In a back and forth battle at John Thurman Field, the Visalia Rawhide outlasted the Modesto Nuts , winning 12-8 in a thrilling contest. The Rawhide showcased a potent offensive attack, with standout
Visalia comes from behind to defeat Modesto on Marvel Night
Visalia comes from behind to defeat Modesto Final Score: Rawhide 5, Nuts 3 By: Micah Mashore Post-Game Recap: Visalia Rawhide Defeats Modesto Nuts 5-3 The Visalia Rawhide secured a hard-fought victory against the Modesto Nuts with a final score of 5-3 at John Thurman Field. This win was crucial for
Tough Thursday Night for Modesto
Game Recap: Rawhide vs. Nuts – August 8, 2024 Final Score: Rawhide 16, Nuts 3 By: Micah Mashore The Visalia Rawhide took advantage of 13 walks and 2 hit batters issued by Modesto Nuts pitching to run away from the home team. Visalia got contributions at the plate from 2B
Nuts Triumph Over Rawhide in Tight Contest
In a thrilling clash between longtime Cal League rivals, the Nuts edged out the Rawhide with a final score of 4-2, securing a come from behind victory that evens up the series at one game apiece. The Modesto Nuts' offense was slowed to start the game but came alive in
Visalia Rawhide Edge Out Modesto Nuts 13-11 in a High-Scoring Matchup
Visalia Rawhide Edge Out Modesto Nuts 13-11 in a High-Scoring Matchup In a dramatic and high-scoring encounter, the Visalia Rawhide managed to outlast the Modesto Nuts with a narrow 13-11 victory taking the series opener at John Thurman Field. The game was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with both
Teddy McGraw shines in debut but Nuts fall 7-4
MODESTO, CA — In a thrilling matchup at John Thurman Field, the 66ers emerged victorious over the Nuts, 7-4, in a clash between the CAL South and CAL North divisions. The Seattle Mariners third round pick of the 2023 MLB draft, Teddy McGraw, made his professional debut tonight with the
2024 WILL BE FINAL SEASON FOR NUTS AT JOHN THURMAN FIELD
Modesto, CA, July 10, 2024 - The Seattle Mariners and the City of Modesto announced today that a mutual agreement on a long-term lease extension for the California League Modesto Nuts could not be reached. While both entities hoped for a more favorable outcome, the negotiations were unsuccessful, and the