White Sox Discover Unexpected Pitching Gem in Anthony Kay The Chicago White Sox have found an unexpected asset in their rotation as Anthony Kay continues to impress with his performance. Emerging as a surprise starter in April, Kay has provided the team with a reliable option capable of missing bats and holding leads—a rarity for a young pitcher in the early stages of the season. His standout performance on Thursday at Kaufmann Stadium, where he pitched 5.2 shutout innings in a 2-0 victory, has solidified his role as a key contributor. Kay allowed just three hits, two walks, and six strikeouts while throwing 100 pitches, pushing his early season line to 14 2/3 innings, a 2.45 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts. This outing has positioned him as a critical piece of the White Sox’s pitching strategy, especially as the team looks to build momentum in a competitive league. Kay’s effectiveness stems from his ability to command his fastball, which has been a standout element of his repertoire. Statcast data reveals that his four-seamer in 2026 averages 95.8 mph with 15.1 inches of induced vertical break and 7.2 inches of arm-side run. This combination of velocity and movement makes the pitch difficult to hit, particularly for hitters who struggle to adjust to its late movement. Kay himself acknowledged the impact of his fastball, noting that the increased velocity—averaging 96.3 mph with a top end of 98.4 mph—boosts his confidence. “Yeah, you have a little bit more confidence when it’s 97, 98, compared to 93, 94,” he admitted, highlighting how his fastball’s velocity has become a key factor in his success. Beyond his fastball, Kay’s ability to exploit his sweeper pitch has been instrumental in his performance. Baseball Savant data shows that his 2026 sweeper averages 82.9 mph with 13.#chicago_white_sox #statcast #anthony_kay #kaufmann_stadium #baseball_savant
Chicago White Sox Defeat Kansas City Royals 2-0 to End 14-Game Losing Streak at Kauffman Stadium The Chicago White Sox ended a 14-game losing streak at Kauffman Stadium with a 2-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night. Anthony Kay, making his first major league start since July 2021, pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and striking out six while walking three. The win marked Kay’s first career victory since his return to the majors, as he showcased his ability to adapt after two seasons in Japan. Kay’s performance was highlighted by his control of the Royals’ lineup, particularly his success against Vinnie Pasquantino, Jac Caglianone, and Kyle Isbel, whom he struck out twice each. The White Sox’ offense was efficient, scoring both runs in the fourth inning. Munetaka Murakami led off the frame with a walk against Royals starter Seth Lugo, who had allowed just two runs in 6 1/3 innings. Murakami advanced to second base on a one-out double by Colson Montgomery, setting the table for Chicago’s first run. Lugo, who was nearly as effective as Kay, allowed four hits and struck out four, but his season-high four walks—two of which came in the seventh inning—created opportunities for the White Sox. The Royals’ best chance to tie the game came in the seventh inning after second baseman Maikel Garcia and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. hit consecutive singles. However, Grant Taylor induced a groundout from Pasquantino to end the threat, preserving the White Sox’ lead. Lugo’s struggles with walks were mitigated by two key double plays. In the second inning, Garcia fielded a hard grounder, raced to second base, and fired a throw to first to turn two. In the sixth, Witt Jr. caught a line drive from Murakami behind second base and tagged him out at first, preventing a potential rally.#chicago_white_sox #kansas_city_royals #kauffman_stadium #anthony_kay #munetaka_murakami
