White Sox Stick With Shane Smith as Opening Day Starter After Rocky Spring Finale

Overview

• In his final spring outing, Smith allowed four runs in 3 1/3 innings with three walks and three hit batters, including a 24-pitch first inning that began with two HBPs, in a 4-3 loss to the Angels.
• Chicago confirmed its rotation order with Smith first, followed by Sean Burke, Anthony Kay, Davis Martin and Erick Fedde.
• Smith finished Cactus League play with a 10.13 ERA over 10 2/3 innings, recording nine strikeouts, nine walks and five hit batters.
• Opening Day is set for Thursday in Milwaukee, where Smith is scheduled to face Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski at American Family Field.
• Manager Will Venable urged a return to in-zone command, while Smith described his spring as mental growth focused on bouncing back and staying in the zone.