Demoted White Sox Opening Day starting pitcher Shane Smith was set to make his third Triple-A start on Friday night for the Charlotte Knights as they hosted the Nashville Sounds.
The 26-year-old Smith has made progress with his mechanics in the minors, general manager Chris Getz 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.
“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.
“He’s got a start tonight and we’ll see how tonight goes.”
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.
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.
Teel still healing
Catcher Kyle Teel 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.
Teel reportedly was to be sent to Charlotte last Monday, but that was pushed back.
“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.
“You know we want to be ver
