{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreieteoqpn4gtfvfvhdgdmmnvhcgjp6fdha46p3axskzeyuj2xursam",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:ha7wpngv4f2qwrk5hta4ktbb/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkby34r5y7q2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreiaiikzjjokpouygwy7v5k3e2nzfnmsjvpehx6vhp77jn4cqxzag7a"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/png",
    "size": 1016811
  },
  "path": "/white-sox/2026/04/24/demoted-starter-shane-smith-showing-improvement-in-charlotte",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-25T01:58:59.805Z",
  "site": "https://chicago.suntimes.com",
  "textContent": "<p>Demoted White Sox Opening Day starting pitcher <b>Shane Smith</b> was set to make his third Triple-A start on Friday night for the Charlotte Knights as they hosted the Nashville Sounds.</p><p>The 26-year-old Smith has made progress with his mechanics in the minors, general manager<b> Chris Getz</b> said before Friday’s night’s series opener against the Nationals on the South Side. The 6-3 right-hander is 1-0 in two starts covering nine total innings with the Knights so far after struggling in three games with the Sox at the start of the season.</p><p>“We tasked him with some drill work and some areas to focus on with his delivery,” Getz said. “You know, his body changed a little bit in terms of delivery and we just wanted to get him back on track and he’s worked really hard and done pretty well.</p><p>“He’s got a start tonight and we’ll see how tonight goes.”</p><p>Smith became the first rookie pitcher in Sox history to be named an All-Star in 2025, when he went 7-8 with a 3.81 ERA through 29 starts.</p><p>But Smith was pounded in his first two outings of 2026, giving up a combined 12 runs (10 earned) in 4‰ innings. He had a better third start on April 7 against Baltimore, allowing just one hit and no runs in 3‰ innings. He struck out eight, but walked five and hit a batter.</p><p><b>Teel still healing</b></p><p>Catcher <b>Kyle Teel </b>was in the Sox clubhouse but still isn’t ready to report for a rehab assignment following a Grade 2 right hamstring strain he suffered on March 10. He got hurt running out a double for Team Italy during a win over the U.S. at the World Baseball Classic.</p><p>Teel reportedly was to be sent to Charlotte last Monday, but that was pushed back.</p><p>“We haven’t been able to get it quite to the finish line,” Getz said. “There’s always this final stage and a threshold needs to be met before we send someone else on a rehab.</p><p>“You know we want to be very careful when it comes to Kyle Teel and certainly a hamstring. I know he had a really good day yesterday and he feels good today.”</p><p>Teel, acquired from the Red Sox in the<b> Garrett Crochet</b> trade in December 2024, hit .273 with eight home runs and 35 RBI while walking 37 times in 297 plate appearances in 78 games for the Sox last season.</p><p>“He’s been out for a while now,” Getz added. “You know he missed a chunk of spring training and obviously all of the regular season so far. So I don’t have a finite number of the amount of games [needed in rehab]. You kind of read the situation.”</p><p><b>Hays, Murphy sent on rehab</b></p><p>Outfielder <b>Austin Hays </b>and left-handed reliever<b> Chris Murphy </b>are being sent to Charlotte on rehab assignments that start Saturday.</p><p>Hays has been out since sustaining a right hamstring strain on April 6 against the Orioles. Murphy went on the 15-day injured list with left elbow impingement syndrome following a one-inning outing against the Orioles on April 7 when he allowed a run.</p><p>Hays pulled up while pursuing <b>Tyler O’Neill’s</b> fly left in the fourth inning of a 2-1 loss to the Orioles. Manager <b>Will Venable </b>originally said Hays would miss two to four weeks.</p><p>The 30-year-old Hays signed a one-year, $6 million free-agent contract with the Sox in February. He’s batting .219 with a homer and six RBI in nine games.</p><p>Murphy is 1-0 with a 10.50 ERA in six games. He earned his second career save to cap a 3-0 Sox victory over the Blue Jays on April 5 when he pitched a scoreless ninth — and fielded a popup himself.<br></p>",
  "title": "Demoted starter Shane Smith showing improvement in Charlotte",
  "updatedAt": "2026-04-25T01:58:59.805Z"
}