White Sox option Opening Day starter Shane Smith to Triple-A Charlotte

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 White Sox announced they had optioned the 2025 All-Star pitcher to Triple-A Charlotte.

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.

“Just killing our bullpen,’’ Smith said. “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.’’

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.

There were definite signs of progress for Smith. While he still struggled with his fastball command, Smith induced 17 swings and misses.

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.

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.