Chicago White Sox Use Bold ‘No-Rotation’ Strategy in ALDS Against Cleveland Guardians

CLEVELAND — Baseball has long held certain certainties about pitching staff roles. Traditionally, the best pitchers form the starting rotation, led by the standout reliever known as the closer. This structure dictates that the starter aims to cover the bulk of the game, with the closer handling the crucial final innings. Setup men act as bridges between the two, usually a right-hander and a left-hander. The mop-up man fills in when the game is out of reach, preserving the energy of more effective pitchers.

For decades, managers relied on this strategy during the regular season and adjusted for the playoffs by using their top starters for longer stretches. Yet the landscape of baseball is evolving, highlighted by Sonny Gray’s early removal from a critical wild-card game.

The Chicago White Sox, under manager Will Venable, are championing a revolutionary ‘no-rotation’ strategy in their playoff pursuits. Venable announced that Hagen Smith will start Game 1 against the Cleveland Guardians, serving as an opener. This decision marks the team’s 32nd instance of using an opener this season.

Venable supports this approach in light of a rotation devoid of dominating starter pitchers. If Sean Burke starts Game 2, varied pitching strategies may reign supreme, with Smith potentially returning for Game 3.

Venable shared, “With these off days, we plan to optimally deploy our arms. Expect us to mix and match to utilize our strongest assets.” Smith and Grant Taylor may emerge as essential elements alongside Jordan Hicks, David Sandlin, and Sean Newcomb, with other pitchers stepping in as wild cards.

This method contrasts sharply with Ozzie Guillén’s 2005 strategy, when consistent starting performances led the White Sox to victory. During the AL Championship win against the Anaheim Angels, the starting rotation achieved four consecutive complete games. Guillén praised the efforts of advance scout Bryan Little, who bolstered the starters’ confidence with astute player insights during the World Series.

While the bullpen enjoyed a respite, game 3 demanded 14 innings, featuring significant contributions from Buehrle and El Duque. Geoff Blum’s decisive home run in that game cemented Buehrle’s legacy as a clutch performer. Contrasting with Venable’s modern approach, Guillén reflected on conventional tactics during the postseason celebration, noting, “That type of game mirrors the regular season.”

Venable’s strategy follows the season’s trends, acknowledging that the ’26 White Sox lack overpowering starters. The absence of Shane Smith, opening-day starter and subsequent Triple-A Charlotte dispatch, illustrates this reality. Pitchers like Martin and Fedde have adapted, showing resilience and adaptability.

Grant Taylor rose to lead closer duties, handling multiple innings when necessary. Despite Seranthony Domínguez’s top save count, trades altered the dynamic, leading to innovative bullpen tactics.

The concept of openers isn’t novel; bullpen-centric strategy gained traction over the past decade. Craig Counsell utilized similar tactics with the Cubs in previous postseason games. The White Sox aim to optimize their unique roster dynamic, overcoming criticism from traditionalists and former manager Guillén.

If the White Sox succeed without a defined rotation, their triumph will echo throughout Chicago. Players might enjoy an overflow of recognition and gratitude from fans. As Blum shared, occasional gestures of appreciation linger, hinting at the lasting impact of baseball achievements in Chicago. “We’re not quite the ’85 Bears, but the ’05 Sox do OK,” Blum noted, reflecting the enduring legacy of memorable sports moments.