Anthony Kay’s Resurgence and Jordan Leasure’s Injury Setback

Anthony Kay’s self-assurance has not faltered despite a challenging start to the season. ‘I’m here to do a job, and they know I’m capable,’ stated the Chicago White Sox starter on Thursday. Persistence in confidence and consistency in performance are his strategies for improvement. By making necessary adjustments, he has achieved favorable outcomes on the mound.

The left-handed pitcher has a 3-0 record with a 1.98 ERA, a .227 opponent batting average, and 24 strikeouts in his last five outings. Kay is scheduled to take the mound against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday at Rate Field.

Turning Point

White Sox manager Will Venable praised Kay’s ability to adapt. ‘He’s made his adjustments,’ Venable noted. ‘After spending 2024 and 2025 pitching in Japan, returning to face new challenges is not unfamiliar to him.’ Kay’s commitment to refining his strategy has paid off, leading to improved performances following a less promising start.

Kay holds a 4-1 record with a 3.96 ERA, 39 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 52 1/3 innings. He has hit ten batters. In his first six appearances, Kay allowed 17 earned runs in 25 innings, resulting in a 6.12 ERA. However, in the past five starts, he only conceded six earned runs over 27 innings.

Conversations with pitching coach Zach Bove have focused on refining pitch selection and improving pitch control. ‘We needed to work on sequencing and identifying strategies to achieve better pitcher counts,’ Kay elaborated.

The strategy has been fruitful for Kay, who played with the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets before transitioning to the Yokohama BayStars in Japan’s Central League. Joining the Sox with a two-year contract, he reflects, ‘The last month has shown I belong in the big leagues.’

Kay embraces camaraderie with teammates, often teasing fellow starters to keep the atmosphere relaxed and focused. ‘When they have a good outing, I nudge them, asking why they didn’t go an extra inning,’ he shared.

Jordan Leasure’s Injury

Reliever Jordan Leasure joined the injured list on Friday due to a right flexor strain. Leasure expressed that something felt off while warming up on Thursday. Despite his desire to persist, he opted for caution and communicated his concerns to the manager.

Leasure has a 6.27 ERA with 18 strikeouts over 18 2/3 innings in his season appearances. He previously spent time in Triple-A Charlotte, returning to the majors in late May.

Manager Venable acknowledged, ‘There’s an elbow flexor strain. He’ll be shut down for eight to ten weeks before we can begin rebuilding his strength.’ In Leasure’s absence, the Sox have brought Tyler Gilbert up from Charlotte.