3 Takeaways After Vintage Luis Castillo Game Helps White Sox Limit Reds to 2 Hits

There were a lot of positive notes to draw out of this White Sox win.

Aug 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Luis Castillo (58) reacts after coming off the mound against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After an embarrassing loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, the Chicago White Sox struck back and shut out the Reds, 5-0. There were lots of positives to draw from this win!

Luis Castillo Has Great Night

Aug 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Luis Castillo (58) throws a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After an outing against the Boston Red Sox where Luis Castillo gave up five runs in four innings, he shut down the Reds' offense.

In seven shutout innings, Castillo gave up just one hit and walked two batters, while striking out a season-high 10 batters. This included Castillo striking out the side in the seventh inning. Per Statcast and MLB.com's Scott Merkin, Castillo recorded 22 swings and misses.

Castillo got his ERA below 5.00, as he had perhaps his best game of the season. When the White Sox acquired him, some fans were skeptical that he still had great days ahead. However, it looks as if the White Sox have possibly unlocked something in Castillo that can be used for the rest of the season. If he can regain his All-Star form, this could be a dangerous playoff rotation.

Chase Meidroth Back Like He Never Left

Aug 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth (10) hits a two run home run to take the lead against the Boston Red Sox in the tenth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Chase Meidroth had a multi-game absence with a wrist injury, but returned with a vengeance for Wednesday's game. Meidroth would go 2-for-4 with two runs driven in, including a two-run home run. Meidroth hit his 12th home run of the season and has been red hot of late. In his last seven games, Meidroth is slashing .385/.467/.769 with three home runs.

If he can unlock his power potential, Meidroth can be the top second baseman in the game. Drew Romo also broke out of his slump by launching a home run of his own and driving in another run later. The White Sox were 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, though.

Bullpen Sharp After Tuesday Meltdown

Aug 9, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Hagen Smith (32) delivers the ball during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After a game that saw the White Sox bullpen blow a 4-0 lead to these same Reds, Chicago's bullpen was great. While they only needed to cover two innings because of Castillo's great start, it was still encouraging to see. The Reds would have just two hits in the game.

Will Venable made an odd decision to bring in rookie Hagen Smith in a high-leverage situation for his second career game. He would not disappoint. In an inning of work, Smith walked one batter and then proceeded to strike out the side. If Smith can keep the walks to a minimum, he can be a valuable piece moving forward.

Huascar Brazobán would come in with a clean inning to finish the game, but you have to wonder why rookie Tanner McDougal did not come in for his first career outing with a five-run lead. Perhaps we'll see him on Thursday as the White Sox look to win the series against Cincinnati.