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2h ago

White Sox Option Opening Day Starter Shane Smith to Triple-A Charlotte

Chicago says a loss of fastball command prompted a short-term reset to reduce strain on a taxed bullpen.

Apr 7, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Shane Smith (64) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Apr 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Shane Smith (64) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The White Sox sent Smith to Triple-A on Wednesday, selected left-hander Tyler Schweitzer to the roster, and transferred Brooks Baldwin to the 60-day injured list to keep the 40-man full.
  • Across three starts, Smith is 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA in 8 1/3 innings with nine walks and 11 strikeouts, including an 8-K, 5-walk, 99-pitch outing that ended after 3 2/3 innings Tuesday against Baltimore.
  • Manager Will Venable pointed to poor four-seam fastball command and high pitch counts, saying the club needs to protect its relievers and expects Smith’s stint to serve as a reset without a set timeline.
  • Schweitzer, 25, earned the call after two relief outings for Charlotte, posting a 1.80 ERA over five innings, and he is in line for his MLB debut.
  • Smith was an All-Star as a rookie in 2025 after a Rule 5 pick and opened 2026 as Chicago’s Game 1 starter, a fast rise that makes this early-season option a notable development for a rebuilding club.