The Roman philosopher Seneca said "luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." Sometimes it's simply what happens when a player meets a general manager in an elevator. On Wednesday, the Chicago White Sox started veteran outfielder Tommy Pham in the cleanup spot against the Cleveland Guardians after he was activated off the injured list. Pham shared an elevator with White Sox GM Chris Getz Tuesday night. "I told him I could play today. I said I'm ready," Pham said. "I went right to the source, man. Our trainers were trying to wait a couple more days, but I can't sit back right now in the middle of this race."

The 38-year-old made his pitch worth Getz's time. Pham's first hit of the 2026 season was a three-run homer to center in the fifth, giving Chicago a 3-2 lead. The White Sox and Guardians split the first two games of their series in Cleveland. A Guardians win would move them into first in the AL Central, while a White Sox win would bolster their slim lead. Wednesday was the last meeting between the division rivals this season.