Chicago White Sox Pitcher Shane Smith Looks Ahead to Opening Day Start

Smith felt his spring was filled with 'a lot more growth than I thought I was going to expect'.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:27pm

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Chicago White Sox pitcher Shane Smith is set to make the opening day start against the Milwaukee Brewers after a spring training filled with growth and learning. Despite a bumpy final spring outing, Smith is ready to kick off the regular season and lead a rotation of 'competitors'.

Why it matters

As one of the White Sox's top starters, Smith's performance and development will be crucial to the team's success this season. His ability to bounce back from adversity and grow both physically and mentally is an encouraging sign for the club as they look to return to the playoffs.

The details

In his final spring training start, Smith allowed four runs on two hits in 3 1/3 innings, with three strikeouts and three walks. He hit three batters and finished the spring with a 10.13 ERA. Despite the rough outing, Smith said he felt he made significant progress this spring, particularly on the mental side of the game. He is part of a White Sox rotation that manager Tony La Russa has described as filled with 'competitors'.

  • Smith is set to make the opening day start for the White Sox on Thursday, March 28, 2026 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
  • Smith had his final spring training outing on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Shane Smith

A pitcher for the Chicago White Sox who is set to make the opening day start for the team.

Tony La Russa

The manager of the Chicago White Sox.

Jacob Misiorowski

The starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers on opening day against the White Sox.

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What they’re saying

“I think the game reminds you of how hard it can be, but also how simple it can be sometimes. You're in the zone, you throw strikes and mix speeds, it's a lot easier game.”

— Shane Smith, Pitcher

“Just realizing that even if you don't have it, you still have to figure it out.”

— Shane Smith, Pitcher

“A bunch of guys that we talk and share good and bad and pitches and what we're thinking about for outings. I'm sure that'll continue as we get going here and get a couple under our belt and we're going to enjoy the hell out of it.”

— Shane Smith, Pitcher

What’s next

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The takeaway

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