White Sox's Montgomery Exits After Wrist Injury, X-Rays Negative

Colson Montgomery left Wednesday's game after being hit by a pitch on the forearm. X-rays came back negative, and he is listed as day-to-day. The shortstop has struggled this season.
Montgomery was struck by a 95 mph fastball from Guardians pitcher Parker Messick during the fourth inning of Wednesday's pivotal divisional matchup. Though he initially remained in the game and took first base, he was removed before the fifth inning after experiencing difficulty swinging the bat, per manager Will Venable. The left wrist contusion diagnosis came with negative X-rays, offering some relief.
The timing compounds an already difficult campaign for the 2026 shortstop. Despite 31 home runs and 84 RBIs, Montgomery carries a .203 batting average and has slumped badly of late, posting just five hits with 26 strikeouts across his previous 15 games. The White Sox have also surrendered control of the AL Central following the series loss.
This injury could carry ripple effects for the White Sox's postseason push, as Montgomery's potential absence removes a power bat from a lineup already struggling for consistency. Fans and fantasy baseball participants may feel immediate impact, while the team's broader competitive standing could hinge on his recovery timeline. Day-to-day designations often prove optimistic, so observers may watch closely for any setback that extends his absence deeper into the critical final stretch.