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  "path": "/sports/2026/04/08/white-sox-option-opening-day-starter-shane-smith-to-triple-a-charlotte",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-08T15:54:55.630Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>That “sense of urgency” described by manager Will Venable on Tuesday in addressing Shane Smith’s early ineffectiveness was set into action Wednesday morning, when the <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox\" target=\"_blank\" >White Sox</a> announced they had optioned the 2025 All-Star pitcher to Triple-A Charlotte.</p><p>In three starts, the All-Star was 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA, walking nine and striking out 11 in in just 8 1/3 innings. He lasted just an inning and two-thirds in a season-opening 14-2 loss in Milwaukee, three innings in a 10-0 loss to the Marlins in Miami on April, and labored through 3 2/3 innings in a 4-2 loss to the Orioles on Tuesday, when he struck out eight but walked five and hit a batter, throwing 99 pitches.</p><p>“Just killing our bullpen,’’ <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2026/04/07/white-sox-starter-shane-smith-cant-get-through-fourth-admittedly-killing-our-bullpen\" target=\"_blank\" >Smith said</a>. “As we get into the season and the games start stacking up, we need these guys to be as fresh as possible. Not being able to get past three and two-thirds in your first [three] starts just puts you in a tough spot.’’</p><p>It's the second consecutive season the Sox sent their Opening Day starter to Charlotte. Sean Burke, the 2025 Opening Day starter, was optioned to Charlotte in August after a season of struggles.</p><p>There were definite signs of progress for Smith. While he still struggled with his fastball command, Smith induced 17 swings and misses.</p><p>To take his place on the roster, the Sox promoted left-handed swingman Tyler Schweitzer from Charlotte and transferred Brooks Baldwin to the 60-day injured list.</p><p>Schweitzer, 25, is 0-0 with a 1.80 ERA in two relief appearances with Charlotte this season, allowing five hits with no walks and four strikeouts. He has gone 22-15 with a 4.13 ERA (158 ER/344.0 IP) and 342 strikeouts in 77 games (57 starts) over five minor-league seasons in the White Sox organization.<br></p>",
  "title": "White Sox option Opening Day starter Shane Smith to Triple-A Charlotte",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-08T15:59:19.822Z"
}