The Chicago White Sox have taken an unconventional approach to their bullpen usage this season, deploying right-hander Seranthony Dominguez more as a tactical weapon than a traditional closer. Although Dominguez was brought in to close games, the team has often opted to use him in earlier innings based on favorable matchups rather than reserving him solely for the ninth inning.

Since May 29, Dominguez had not appeared in the ninth inning until a recent outing and had not recorded a save since May 25, spanning seven appearances without finishing a game. Instead, manager Will Venable and pitching coach Zach Bove have prioritized matchups late in games, selecting relievers to face specific hitters regardless of inning.

A clear example occurred on June 10 during a 2-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves. Facing a lineup with three of the top four hitters batting left-handed and four of the bottom five batting right-handed, the White Sox chose to send Dominguez—right-handed—to face the lower third of the lineup in the eighth inning, while lefty Bryan Hudson closed the game in the ninth, earning his third save of the season. Venable explained that if the order had been reversed, the pitching assignments would have been swapped accordingly.

Dominguez, who earned his 12th save in a 6-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 14, expressed support for the flexible role. “I’m just here for the team, trying to be one of the best teammates,” he said. “Whatever they’re doing, it’s working. We got first place, and we’re playing good baseball. At the end of the day, I’m here to pitch when they call my name.”

The strategic approach has led to seven different White Sox pitchers recording saves this season, the fourth-highest total in Major League Baseball. Venable emphasized that the team’s bullpen conversations focus on winning rather than defined roles. “While of course Ser wants to close games— and he will continue to close games—he’s understanding that for us to find our path to winning, it might be best for him and for other relievers and for our club to pitch in the eighth,” Venable said.

Left-hander Sean Newcomb exemplifies the versatility Venable and Bove seek. He has entered games in various innings, often pitching multiple frames and serving as a second opener. On June 14, Newcomb threw 2⅓ scoreless innings in relief of Hudson. Newcomb acknowledged that his role requires flexibility and the ability to pitch in high-leverage situations regardless of inning. “It’s what I signed here to do,” he said. “There’s a ton of value in coming in tied, one- or two-run game, and holding it there.”

Right-handed reliever Grant Taylor has also been a key contributor in middle and late innings, maintaining an ERA of 2.21 despite occasional struggles. Pitching coach Bove highlighted the importance of buy-in from the pitchers for the success of the matchup-based strategy: “It’s not only the best matchup—it’s the buy-in from the players, whatever’s going to help the team win,” he said. “It’s easy to say that, but to then do that and show that, it’s been awesome.”

The White Sox’s bullpen approach continues to reflect a growing trend in major league baseball of deploying pitchers situationally rather than according to traditional roles, and early results suggest it has played a role in the team’s current standing atop the division.