Jonathan

Cannon

Twice all year did a White Sox pitcher allow three or more runs and get a win. Cannon did it when he gave up four runs to the Angels 13 days ago and then again in giving up four runs today. And, one more time, the standard there is three runs, not four. The White Sox prevailed 9-5 today to finish the year 41-121. Cannon went 5-10 with a 4.49 ERA and a 91/40 K/BB in 124 1/3 innings. We’re not particularly high on him going forward, but he’s definitely in good shape for opening 2025 back in the rotation.

Cannon was solid against the Angels and starter Jack Kochanowicz, who pitched seven scoreless frames of his own on Tuesday night. Cannon never allowed more than one baserunner in an inning and has now struck out seven batters in back-to-back outings. Sitting on a 4-10 record, he’ll look to pick up his fifth win of the season on Sunday, when he’s set to start the season-finale against the Tigers.

It’s not only the first time this year that a White Sox pitcher has allowed four runs and won, but it’s the first time a White Sox pitcher has allowed three runs and won. That had happened about 250 times across the league this year, but never with the Chris Getz’s club. Cannon had allowed a total of two runs in his previous three wins. This moves him to 4-10 with a 4.61 ERA ahead of his next start against the Padres.

The White Sox had indicated that Burke would go into the rotation soon after debuting as a reliever. He wound up making just one relief appearance, allowing an unearned run over three innings Tuesday against the Guardians. With Burke going Sunday, Jonathan Cannon can get some extra rest and start Monday.

Cannon gave up a run in the second inning on a double and a base hit. He settled in to toss three more scoreless frames before leaving with two runners on in the sixth and one out. Both inherited runners would score on a three-run homer by Lane Thomas. Cannon struck out four. The 24-year-old right-hander will take a 4.56 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and a 74/34 K/BB ratio across 106 2/3 innings into a start against the Angels in Anaheim on Monday.

Cannon served up a leadoff homer to Orioles superstar Gunnar Henderson to opent the contest, but managed to keep Baltimore off the scoreboard into the sixth inning afterwards. He struck out four and only issued one walk. He’ll face the Guardians on Tuesday in his next outing.

Cannon’s usually good command has now eluded him in back-to-back starts as he’s walked four in each. Otherwise, he didn’t have many answers against the Mets’ strong lineup. He leaned on his changeup with the Mets left-handed heavy lineup, which was a fun wrinkle but still not enough to keep them off-balance. He’s scheduled to face the Orioles in Baltimore next time out.

The defeat was the 100th in 131 games this year for the White Sox. Cannon has taken eight of those while also winning twice. He managed to avoid giving up a homer today for the first time in six starts. His control is getting worse, though; he matched his season high with four walks today and has eight walks and two HBPs over 14 2/3 innings in his last three starts.

Give Cannon credit for his efficiently; he’s completed six innings in nine of his 16 starts to date. Still, the loss tonight drops him to 2-5 with a 4.26 ERA. He might fit best in middle relief for the long run, but it’s still been a pretty encouraging year overall.

Cannon made it through the first two innings without any damage but ran into the inevitable Juan Soto in the third inning. Soto took a 94 MPH fastball from Cannon into the opposite field stands for a two-run homer, giving the Yankees the early lead on the night. Cannon would fall victim to Soto again in the fifth inning when the star right fielder sent a solo homer into the opposite field stands to put the Yankees up 3-0. The three earned runs allowed by Cannon were the most he’s given up since July 20 when he allowed four against the Royals on July 20. If not for Juan Soto, the young righty would’ve had an otherwise solid night. He’ll look to pick up his third win of the season in his next outing, which is scheduled for Monday against the Giants.