Foster and Lambert each refused the outright assignments and will hit the free agent market after their removal from Chicago’s 40-man roster. Foster has been limited to just six appearances in the big league since 2022 due to injury and Lambert heads out in search of a new opportunity after making 77 relief appearances over the past two years with the White Sox.

That doesn’t sound good. With so little time left in the season, it’s fair to wonder if Foster will return before the year is over. The 29-year-old right-hander had a 2.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and four strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings for the White Sox this year.

Foster will provide the White Sox with some bullpen depth. The right-hander last pitched for the White Sox as an opener on August 28 with two scoreless innings. Touki Toussaint was designated for assignment in the corresponding transaction.

Foster opened the second game of the doubleheader against the Rangers. He tossed a pair of scoreless innings, scattering two hits and a walk while striking out one batter. He was relieved by Sammy Peralta in the third inning. The 29-year-old right-hander should move back to the bullpen following his appearance as the opener Wednesday.