The White Sox were expected to struggle in 2024, but not quite like this. They stand at 20-54 and 26 games back of first place in the American League Central division race.

With the issues the White Sox have endured this season, second-year manager Pedro Grifol has been considered to be fighting for his job. But USA Today MLB columnist Bob Nightengale does not believe the White Sox will fire Grifol until after the season.

“Unless things change, in the offseason he’ll be in real trouble,” Nightengale said. “The thing is now, why change now? I mean, the team stinks, it’s going to get worse because you’re trading these guys. Why subject another manager to it? I would think in the offseason. Then you look around, who do you want? I mean, do you want a Skip Schumaker from Miami? A viable guy on the market. Alex Cora probably wants to go to a winner. But there are going to be some good candidates out there if you decided to make a change. You can’t get those guys now, so you might as well wait until the offseason if you’re going to get somebody to make that change.”

Grifol is 81-155 over two seasons leading the White Sox, who embarked on a significant rebuilding process this season led by general manager Chris Getz. Addressing reporters Tuesday night, Getz sidestepped a question about Grifol’s status as manager.

The White Sox earned a 2-0 win over the Astros on Tuesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field. The two teams will play the second game of their series Wednesday night.