White Sox Pitchers Assess Spring Training Starts

Smith, Kay, and Martin discuss building up for the regular season

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:36pm

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Chicago White Sox pitchers Shane Smith, Anthony Kay, and Davis Martin have each made two starts so far this spring as they prepare for the upcoming season. The trio discussed their recent outings, focusing on improving their fastball command, holding runners, and evaluating their overall stuff as they work to knock off the offseason rust.

Why it matters

As the White Sox look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season, the development of their young pitching staff will be crucial. These early spring training starts provide an opportunity for the pitchers to work on specific areas of their game and build the necessary momentum heading into the regular season.

The details

Shane Smith struck out Cleveland Guardians star José Ramírez in a key third-inning at-bat, highlighting his improved fastball command. Anthony Kay focused on holding runners, picking off a baserunner, as he continues to build rapport with catcher Edgar Quero. Davis Martin worked through traffic on the bases, evaluating the progress of his 'stuff' like his slider and changeup.

  • On Saturday, March 1, Shane Smith made his second start of the spring, going 3 innings and allowing 1 run.
  • On Sunday, March 2, Anthony Kay made his second start, going 2.2 innings and allowing 1 run.
  • On Monday, March 3, Davis Martin made his second start, going 3 innings and allowing 3 runs.

The players

Shane Smith

A right-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who is building up his fastball command and offspeed pitches this spring.

Anthony Kay

A left-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who is focused on holding runners and improving his communication with the catcher.

Davis Martin

A right-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who is evaluating the progress of his 'stuff', including his slider and changeup, as he works to knock off the offseason rust.

Edgar Quero

The catcher who worked with Anthony Kay in his most recent start, as the two continue to build their rapport.

José Ramírez

The Cleveland Guardians third baseman who Shane Smith struck out in a key at-bat.

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What they’re saying

“I felt the rhythm was a little better in the delivery. Able to land some offspeed for strikes early on. Just located the fastball a lot better than last time.”

— Shane Smith, Pitcher

“Felt I was a little bit more in control of myself a little bit, compared to last time. Overall, I made a lot of good pitches. Two walks aren't ideal, a couple of uncompetitive pitches in those at-bats. But overall, it was really good.”

— Anthony Kay, Pitcher

“This is probably the best the stuff has been, slider is in a good spot, changeup is in a good spot. The cutter, it's been in a good spot. Just the overall stuff I feel has ticked up a little bit.”

— Davis Martin, Pitcher

What’s next

The White Sox pitchers will continue to build up their pitch counts and work on specific areas of their game as they prepare for the start of the regular season.

The takeaway

The early spring training starts for Smith, Kay, and Martin highlight the importance of the White Sox's young pitching staff developing consistency and refining their individual pitches and approaches as they look to bounce back from a tough 2025 season.