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.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band in Concert
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are proud to present Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band with Jefferson Starship in concert for the Roll On Down The Highway 2025 Tour at Neuroscience Group Field on Thursday, July 24. Tickets for the concert benefiting Heat and Housing For
Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Fan Fest & Rummage Sale Set for April 2
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The 2025 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are ready for you! Fan Fest will be held at Neuroscience Group Field on Wednesday, April 2. A rummage sale will be held on the same day in the Fox Communities Credit Union Fox Club. Both events are scheduled to be
Timber Rattlers Present Granjeros de Wisconsin
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have combined two great promotions into one new alternate identity for Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversion. The Timber Rattlers incredibly popular Udder Tuggers identity provided the inspiration to celebrate baseball’s Hispanic heritage with the creation of Granjeros de Wisconsin!
Here’s Where to Find the Timber Rattlers on TV & Radio in 2025
GRAND CHUTE, WI – If you can’t make it out to Neuroscience Group Field for a Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game, the Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers have lots of options to make sure you don’t miss a pitch this season. Broadcast partners WACY (tv32) and WCWF (CW-14) will
25th Anniversary Green Bay Charity Softball Game Hosted by Jordan Love presented by Network Health
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Jordan Love will host the 2025 Green Bay Charity Softball Game presented by Network Health. The Game will start at 7:05pm on Friday, May 23 at Neuroscience Group Field. The event will raise money for Love’s Hands of 10ve Foundation.
3 Little Pigs Grilled Cheese Victorious in 2025 Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats Food Fight
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The finalists of the 2025 Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats Food Fight huffed…and they puffed…and after the votes were counted, the 3 Little Pigs Grilled Cheese sandwich was left standing as the winner!
Timber Rattlers Bring Wisconsin Frozen Pizzas to Life
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Wisconsin is the “Frozen Pizza Capital of the World”. Now, the state has a baseball team to call its own. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers have unveiled the Wisconsin Frozen Pizzas as a new identity for the team’s alternate arsenal.
2025 Timber Rattlers Promotional Calendar: Theme Night Ticket Packages
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Extras! Extras! Get all the extras with Theme Night Ticket packages from the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers during the 2025 season. We have everything from Princesses to Wrestlers and Sitcom Stars to Hoop Heroes available to make your night at Neuroscience Group Field memorable when you attend
2025 Timber Rattlers Promotional Calendar: Theme Nights & Special Appearances
GRAND CHUTE, WI – It’s the final day of Promo Calendar Week for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers as we announce some theme nights and special guests who will be appearing at Neuroscience Group Field in 2025.
Final Five Announced for 2025 Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats Food Fight
GRAND CHUTE, WI – There were 58 bacony-good recipes submitted by Wisconsin Timber Rattlers fans to the 2025 Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats Food Fight. Those 58 have been whittled to a Final Five. Now, you get your say as you get to vote for your favorite Finalist.
2025 Timber Rattlers Promotional Calendar: Giveaways
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers continue announcing their 2025 promotional calendar today with the giveaways that are scheduled this season.
2025 Timber Rattlers Promotional Calendar: Daily Specials
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are ready to announce their promotional calendar for the 2025 season. There is so much going on this season that we are going to spread this out over the next four days. The week starts with the Daily Promotions. Keep your eyes
Victor Estevez Returns to Manage the Timber Rattlers in 2025
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Victor Estevez is back on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers bench for the 2025 Midwest League season. The Milwaukee Brewers have announced Estevez, who led the 2024 Timber Rattlers to the Midwest League Championship Series and won the Midwest League’s Manager of the Year award, will return
Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats Presents the 2025 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Food Fight
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Bacon makes everything better. That is why the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats are celebrating the tenth Food Fight with a bacon-infused challenge to fans of the Milwaukee Brewers Midwest League affiliate. Starting today – Thursday, February 6 – the public is invited
2025 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Bobblehead Ticket Package is Available
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers went to the lab at the end of the 2024 season to begin concocting their plans for an amazing 2025 season. They came up with a terrific bobblehead lineup that features former Rattlers players, mascots, and a few that are so secret
Salmon’s Becomes Official Bratwurst of the Timber Rattlers
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Fans will enjoy a new official bratwurst of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers beginning this season. Salmon’s Meat Products is set to provide brats at Neuroscience Group Field.
New Official Hot Dog of the Timber Rattlers is FAMOUS….Nathan’s Famous
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs will be available at all events held at Neuroscience Group Field starting this year as the new official hot dog of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
Timber Rattlers Announce New Staff Member and Promotion from Within
GRAND CHUTE, WI – The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are announcing two moves in their front office prior to the start of the 2025 Midwest League season. Samantha Hartman has been promoted to Senior Account Manager and Lindsay Krznarich joins the Timber Rattlers ticket team.
Gustafson Joins Timber Rattlers Front Office
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Aren Gustafson has been hired as the stadium operations manager for Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Gustafson spent the summer as an intern for the Timber Rattlers before joining the team in a full-time capacity. He will be responsible for stadium upkeep and maintenance along with overseeing interns
Cooper Pratt Honored with Gold Glove by Minor League Baseball and Rawlings™
GRAND CHUTE, WI – Cooper Pratt has a Gold Glove. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers shortstop made the shortlist of the best defenders in Minor League Baseball as the Gold Glove winner at his position. The full list was announced by MiLB and Rawlings™ earlier today.