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.
Indians Blast Four Home Runs in 10-5 Win
The Indians clubbed four home runs and hit double digits in runs for a second straight game as they outshined the Emeralds, 10-5, in front 2,021 fans at Avista Stadium for DORIS' Birthday Extravaganza presented by the Spokane International Airport. Spokane improved to 9-8 with the win and now boast
Indians Announce 2025 Family 4-Pack Dates
The Spokane Indians Baseball Team and Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino are teaming up again to make family outings at Avista Stadium even more affordable this year. Now in its third season, the Family 4-Pack presented by Spokane Tribe Resort & Casino features (4) reserved bench seats, (4) Indians dogs,
Indians Teach Emeralds a Lesson in 17-5 Win
The Indians tallied season highs in hits and runs as they schooled the Emeralds, 17-5, in front of 4,724 fans at Avista Stadium for the Education & Businessperson's Special Day Game presented by KXLY 4 News Now & KXLY AM 920/100.7 FM. TOP PERFORMERS Skyler Messinger helped the Indians climb
Homestand Preview: April 22-27 vs. Eugene
Tuesday, April 22nd - Education & Businessperson's Special Day Game presented by KXLY 4 News Now & KXLY AM 920/100.7 FM Move your business meeting to the ballpark and come have a fun educational experience while cheering the Indians to victory. First pitch is at 11:05 a.m., gates open at
Indians Drop Sunday Finale, Split Series with C's
The Canadians struck for three in the second and two more in the fourth as they pulled away for a 7-1 win over the Indians in front of 1,862 fans at Avista Stadium for the Neurodiversity Awareness Day Game presented by Les Schwab Tires. TOP PERFORMERS Jared Thomas reached twice
Indians Announce 2025 SWX Broadcast Dates
The Spokane Indians and SWX Right Now announced today the broadcast dates for the six televised games during the 2025 Northwest League season, starting with Military & Veteran Appreciation Fireworks Night on Friday, May 9th. First pitch against the Vancouver Canadians is at 6:35 p.m. that night with coverage from
Indians Fall Flat in 9-3 Loss to Canadians
Vancouver jumped on Indians starter Alberto Pacheco for seven runs in the second inning as the C's cruised to a 9-3 win over Spokane in front of 2,495 fans at Avista Stadium for Rosauers Family Feast Night presented by Rosauers Supermarkets, KAYU Fox 28, & 92.9 ZZU. TOP PERFORMERS Braylen
Messinger's Big Night Powers Spokane in 8-6 Win
Spokane third baseman Skyler Messinger homered and drove in four as the Indians defeated the Canadians, 8-6, in front of 2,470 fans at Avista Stadium for Storybook Princess Night. TOP PERFORMERS After the C's jumped on Jordy Vargas for two quick runs in the top of the first, Messinger provided
Mike Boyle Set to Call Historic Sports Doubleheader
Spokane, Wash. - Mike "Double Duty" Boyle is set to complete a historic doubleheader on Sunday. The veteran broadcaster will be on the mic for the Spokane Indians in their afternoon matchup with Vancouver before heading over to the Spokane Arena for the Spokane Chiefs playoff game against Victoria that
Thomas Delivers Walk-Off Winner in 1-0 Thriller
Jared Thomas delivered a two-out single in the ninth inning—his third hit of the night—to plate Jesus Bugarin as Spokane stunned Vancouver, 1-0, in front of 2,575 fans at Avista Stadium for Golf Night presented by Pacific Golf and Turf & 105.7 Now FM. TOP PERFORMERS After getting blanked in
Homestand Preview: April 8-13 vs. Vancouver
Tuesday, April 8th - SCRAPS Bark in the Park Night presented by SCRAPS Enjoy a baseball game alongside your furry friend! Fans and dogs alike will receive the special group rate of $6.00 per ticket. Fans that bring their dogs will get to sit in a special pet only section
Brown Dazzles in Debut, But Indians Fall 8-4
McCade Brown was unhittable in his High-A debut, but a bullpen meltdown doomed the Indians as they fell to the C's, 8-4, in front of 1,661 fans at Avista Stadium for Book Club Night. TOP PERFORMERS Brown struck out the side in the first and finished with six K's over
Indians Thump Canadians 8-2 in Series Opener
Spokane's offense erupted for three home runs in a single inning and a season-high 11 hits on the night as they trounced the Canadians, 8-2, in front of 1,450 fans and 58 dogs at Avista Stadium for SCRAPS Bark in the Park Night presented by SCRAPS. TOP PERFORMERS The bats
Pacheco Spins a Gem in Spokane's 3-1 Win
Albert Pacheco shut down a talented AquaSox lineup and was backed by home runs from Aidan Longwell and Jared Thomas as Spokane topped Everett, 3-1, in front of 2,595 fans at Avista Stadium for the King Carl Day Game presented by The Black Lens. TOP PERFORMERS Pacheco set the tone
Indians Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
The defending Northwest League champion Spokane Indians announced today their full promotional schedule for the 2025 season at Avista Stadium, which kicks off against the Seattle Mariners affiliate (Everett AquaSox) on Friday, April 4th with Opening Night Fireworks. The 66-game home slate is packed with fan favorites like: **(20) Firework
Indians Flounder Against Amphibious Pitcher in 8-0 Loss
Everett starting pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje was nothing short of sensational in his pro debut as the AquaSox thumped the Indians, 8-0, in front of 2,850 fans at Avista Stadium for Fireworks Night presented by Fireworks Night presented by Valley Glass, KXLY 4 News Now, & 700 ESPN. TOP PERFORMERS The
Homestand Preview: April 4-6 vs. Everett
Friday, April 4th - Opening Night Fireworks & Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Northwest Ford Dealers, KREM 2 & 93.7 The Mountain 🎟️ CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS 🎟️ Baseball is back at Avista Stadium! Join the Spokane Indians for Opening Night of the 2025 season. All fans in attendance will
Indians Drop Season Opener to AquaSox, 4-3
Spokane mounted a furious rally in the ninth inning but came up just short as they fell to the AquaSox, 4-3, in front of 3,742 fans at Avista Stadium for Opening Night Fireworks & AAA Magnet Schedule Giveaway presented by Northwest Ford Dealers, KREM 2, & 93.7 The Mountain. TOP
Indians Announce 2025 Opening Night Roster
The Colorado Rockies assigned 30 players to Spokane today for the start of the 2025 Northwest League season, which opens on Friday, April 4th against the Everett AquaSox at Avista Stadium. The roster for the defending champions includes 15 returning players and five of Colorado’s top 30 prospects. The Indians
Join Us for FREE Community Fan Fest on April 2nd
The first pitch of the 2025 season is right around the corner and we want you to help us kick off a new year of baseball at Fan Fest on Wednesday, April 2nd from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Avista Stadium! This FREE community event courtesy of Avista and
(30) Indians Alums Open Season on MLB Rosters
The 2025 MLB season kicks off today with a total of 30 former Spokane Indians players opening the year on big league rosters. Spokane's parent club, the Colorado Rockies, leads the way with a total of 11 Indians alums including 2024 Gold Glove Award winners Brenton Doyle and Ezequiel Tovar.
City Connect: Zags that Played for the Spokane Indians
Royce Bolinger (2012): A sixth-round pick of the Texas Rangers in 2012, Bolinger hit .301 for the Indians that summer including a 23-game hitting streak that is tied for fifth-longest in Spokane franchise history. He returned to the team as a pitcher in 2018, posting a 3.14 ERA in seven
Ryan Ritter Eyes Bounceback Season in 2025
At first glance, Ryan Ritter accomplished little in the Arizona Fall League. He missed a lot of time due to back soreness, so he was unable to play second base as much as he and the Rockies hoped. And seeking an offensive groove that proved elusive after an injury followed
(20) Spokane Indians to Compete in Spring Breakout
Major League Baseball today announced the rosters and broadcast schedule for the second annual “Spring Breakout” prospect games that will be part of Major League Spring Training and broadcast on MLB Network, local RSNs and streamed on MLB.tv, MLB.com and the MLB App from March 13th-16th. The Spring Breakout games
Versatile Konner Eaton Flashes Intriguing Potential
Left-hander Konner Eaton has given the Rockies’ organization a happy problem. It’s not one they envisioned upon selecting him in the sixth round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft out of George Mason. The Rockies knew then that Eaton possessed a power arm. They knew he looked like a Major