It is obviously all hands on deck for Game 5 of the American League Division Series, but on this specific night, the Chicago White Sox require a captain who can shoulder a bulk of the responsibilities and steer this vessel into safe waters. Sean Burke will accept that role in an ear-splitting Progressive Field.

A shaky rotation forced manager Will Venable to lean on his bullpen for much of the year. The same will likely be true in a do-or-die matchup on the road. The relief unit is surely running on fumes at this point, though, right? If the White Sox are going to survive, they must set the tone.

After watching Cleveland and Chicago use a combined 15 pitchers in Game 4, MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa believes the visitors' starting pitcher will be the most important player on Saturday.

“I think for me it's one guy, it's Sean Burke,” the retired utility man said on “MLB Central.” “He doesn't have a choice. Here you go, dude, til the wheels fall off.”

DeRo wants to see Sean Burke put on a big performance Saturday night:

“He doesn't have a choice. 'Till the wheels fall off… We're going to give #59 the ball until it falls off.” 😤😂

Who is the most important player heading into Game 5 of the ALDS? pic.twitter.com/O25jjF2SCd

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 10, 2026

Article Continues Below

Burke was the best member of Chicago's starting staff and has surrendered only three earned runs in 22 2/3 innings pitched versus the Guardians in 2026 (including playoffs). He allowed one run on one hit while striking out six in 5 1/3 innings of work in the same ballpark just five days ago. Nobody is more qualified to take the mound in this spot. The 26-year-old right-hander deserves to be trusted with this opportunity.

Miguel Vargas is the Sox's top player. Munetaka Murakami is already the face of the franchise. Chase Meidroth and Tristan Peters epitomize the club's grit. But with so many question marks in the pitching department, Sean Burke proved to be an extremely valuable part of this historic turnaround. DeRosa is right. He is the X-Factor in Game 5.

After suffering through three consecutive 100-loss campaigns, the White Sox are now one win away from reaching the AL Championship Series for the first time since their World Series-winning 2005 season. No. 59 has the power to punctuate this metamorphosis with a gem in Forest City.