Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shane Smith sent down to the minor leagues by the White Sox?
Shane Smith was optioned to AAA because he had serious command issues, never making it past 3 2/3 innings in any of his three 2026 starts. He was walking too many batters and struggling to get ahead in counts, which the organization wanted him to work on at the minor league level.
How did Shane Smith perform in AAA after being optioned down?
In 13.2 innings at AAA, Smith posted a 5.27 ERA and walked eight batters, but showed some positive signs by striking out 18 hitters and holding opponents to a .191 batting average. The strikeout numbers were encouraging, but the walk total remained a concern.
When is Shane Smith expected to return to game action in 2026?
According to pitching coordinator Zach Bove, Smith threw a live bullpen session and was on track to get into games the following week, expected to start with the Winston-Salem Dash. He had not pitched in a game in nearly two months due to an injury.
What role could Shane Smith play when he returns to the White Sox?
The White Sox have several options for Smith, including slotting him into the starting rotation, using him as a multi-inning bullpen arm similar to Trevor Richards, or implementing a six-man rotation. The expectation is the team will ease him back through the bullpen before working him into a starting role.
How good was Shane Smith for the White Sox in 2025?
Smith was one of the best pitchers on the team in 2025, earning an All-Star selection and pitching like a top-of-the-rotation arm for stretches of the season. Getting him back to that form would be a significant boost to the White Sox's playoff push.
Craig Rowland
Craig is a former college baseball player and currently a practicing attorney. He is a lifelong White Sox fan and has been covering the team for Sports Mockery since 2022. Prior to Sports Mockery, Craig started the White Sox podcast "A Seat At The Table" while completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois.
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