The Chicago White Sox optioned Shane Smith to Triple-A, deciding they could no longer afford his early exits and bullpen drain.
One day after striking out eight batters, Shane Smith is on his way back to the minors. The Chicago White Sox optioned their Opening Day starter to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, citing his struggles to get deep into games and the toll that early usage of the White Sox’s bullpen was taking. Smith was optioned one day after allowing one hit while striking out eight in 3.2 innings against the Baltimore Orioles. He also walked five batters in that span – causing him to be pulled before completing the fourth inning for a third straight outing.
Smith has thrown just 171 pitches in 8.2 innings this season, which led to a heavy and early reliance on the bullpen that is unsustainable for Chicago. White Sox manager Will Venable wants to see Smith get back to his fastball command as his inability to locate it consistently enough is driving up pitch counts and forcing early exits at the cost of the bullpen. The rocky start follows up what was a successful 2026 campaign for Smith, making the All-Star team after he was selected in in the Rule 5 draft. His rising trajectory led to the righty being named the Opening Day starter, but he’s gone 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA and will be sent down just two weeks into the year.
Here is the full story from White Sox Roundtable writer on the need for Chicago to stabilize a worn pitching staff by sending Smith down.
The White Sox called up lefty reliever Tyler Schweitzer to take Smith’s roster spot, and he’ll make his MLB debut once he enters a game. Venable reinforced his confidence that Smith will work back to form and make his return, but for now, the rotation has a hole to fill and it’s not clear who will take the spot.