White Sox already demoting Opening Day starter to minors

Shane Smith started Opening Day for the Chicago White Sox this season. He was an All-Star in 2025 and Chicago rewarded him with the first start of the ’26 campaign. After pitching to a 10.80 ERA across his first three outings of the season, the White Sox are now optioning Smith, according to James Fegan.

“White Sox are optioning opening day starter Shane Smith. Tyler Schweitzer is coming up to take his roster spot,” Fegan reported.

The White Sox have had an up and down start to the season overall. Smith went 0-2 in his three lackluster outings. Chicago clearly believes that a demotion could help Smith get back on track. Sometimes a fresh start in the minor leagues can help a player figure things out without the pressure of playing in MLB games.

2025 was Smith’s rookie season. He displayed promise, pitching to a 3.81 ERA across 29 outings while striking out 145 hitters. Smith finished 10th in American League Rookie of the Year voting and earned an All-Star selection as mentioned.

The 2026 season certainly did not begin the way Smith envisioned. Still, it would not be surprising to see the White Sox’s Opening Day starter back with the big league ball club at some point this year.

The White Sox are hoping to perform well in 2026, but they are currently in the middle of a rebuild. Expectations are not especially high for the team. Chicago is 4-7 so far in 2026. The White Sox’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon against the Baltimore Orioles at 2:10 PM EST in Chicago.

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