Newcomb's 2 2/3 hitless frames lock down White Sox spot atop AL Central

CHICAGO -- No Grant Taylor, no Bryan Hudson and no Seranthony Domínguez available out of the White Sox bullpen Tuesday night against the Guardians at Rate Field?

That scenario ended up being no problem for the South Siders, who claimed a 2-1 victory before 28,883 fans in a crisp two hours and six minutes to move into sole possession of first place in the American League Central. It was no issue, because Sean Newcomb threw 2 2/3 hitless innings of relief to save the win for Sean Burke (5-4).

Working as an opener, Newcomb hurled 42 pitches over three perfect innings Saturday in an eventual loss to the Tigers, but he was ready to finish what the White Sox started this time.

“I got through the second [inning] there and came in,” said Newcomb, who struck two and walked one among his 45 pitches. “I had a feeling they would appreciate me saying I was good for the next one. I could see it in their eyes. I told them I was good. I was looking forward to those opportunities.”

“Just a good mix,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said of Newcomb. “It's a slow breaking ball that he was landing backdoor to the righties and away to the lefties. He's got the sinker and four-seam to both sides of the plate. It's a funky angle. He's been in the league for a long time, but that's the best I've seen him look.”

The White Sox stretched out 10 pitchers during Spring Training, including Newcomb. From his first Zoom presser after agreeing to a one-year, $4.5 million contract this offseason, the veteran southpaw talked about starting.

When Spring Training came to a close, Newcomb was in the bullpen, where he excelled during the 2025 season. One of Newcomb’s major pluses is that he has the ability to effectively handle extended innings thanks to that work in Arizona, even if that workload comes just two days apart.

“Usually in that 40-50 [pitch] range, a couple days gets me feeling good,” Newcomb said. “I think of it like a starter. You go throw a start, you take a day or two and throw a side.

“Obviously sides and games are a little different. But [I'm] able to use that first day as a big recovery day, get the second day and get the body moving. Usually [by] Day 3, I'm ready to throw a little bit. Usually not three ups like that. But the night called for it. The 'pen was taxed yesterday, so I knew I could be big for this club."

His mound work followed Burke allowing Kahlil Watson’s solo homer in the fifth but little else, as he struck out six and walked one over 6 1/3 innings. The White Sox offense was far more scarce against Guardians starter Parker Messick, but Miguel Vargas’ home run leading off the sixth provided the margin of victory.

Vargas had come close to homering in the first, but his Statcast-projected 390-foot drive was caught by center fielder Petey Halpin.

“I’m just trying to compete at this point, trying to get on base. Let the guys behind me do the job. I got a really good pitch and put a good swing on it,” Vargas said. “I feel like I got a good couple of swings. Unlucky the first at-bat. But definitely just try to go out there and compete and just try to do my best.”

“Vargy, second really good swing after the first one I thought had a chance to get out,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “It was just enough tonight. And for our pitching staff to put us in a position to make those runs count, means a lot.”

How much did this night actually mean? The White Sox (41-37) hold a one-game lead over the Guardians (41-39) after improving to 21-5 over their past 26 home games and winning their ninth straight series at home. They have a 14-8 record within the division and are 16-8 in games decided by one run.

Here’s one more number to exorcise tough memories for White Sox fans -- their 41st win equals their entire win total from the 2024 season, when they finished with a Modern Era record of 121 losses.

“We know how important this series means for us, especially after a tough road trip,” Vargas said. “I’ve been saying this a lot, but the atmosphere here at home is way different. A lot of people showing up every single day. We can feel the energy out there.”

“It’s obviously early in the season, and we have a lot of work to do,” Burke said. “It’s huge. I think we all think we should be there.”