White Sox send Opening Day starter Shane Smith to minors

Field Level Media|published: Wed 8th April, 12:33 2026

Mar 26, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Shane Smith (64) shows a pitch in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox optioned Opening Day starter Shane Smith to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday.

In a corresponding move, they selected the contract of left-handed pitcher Tyler Schweitzer from Charlotte.

Smith, a 26-year-old right-hander, lasted just 1 2/3 innings in the March 26 opener, a 14-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. He gave up four runs (three earned) on three hits and two walks.

He has made three appearances on the season and is 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA. He has thrown just 8 1/3 innings, given up 12 runs (10 earned), walked nine and struck out 11.

As a rookie in 2025, Smith appeared in 29 games (all starts) and finished 7-8 with an ERA of 3.81.

Schweitzer, 25, has made two relief appearances for Charlotte and is 0-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five innings. He is 22-15 and has a 4.13 ERA in his five seasons in the White Sox organization, with 342 strikeouts in 77 games (57 starts). He has pitched 344 minor league innings since the White Sox selected him in the fifth round of the 2022 draft out of Ball State.

To keep the roster at 40 players, the White Sox transferred outfielder Brooks Baldwin, 25, to the 60-day injured list. He is out for the season after undergoing right elbow surgery on April 1.

--Field Level Media

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