White Sox Starter Struggles, Puts Strain on Bullpen

Shane Smith's short outing leaves relievers overworked in loss to Orioles

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:53am

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A fragmented, geometric painting of a baseball pitcher's motion, with sharp planes of navy, green, and grey conveying the White Sox's pitching challenges.A fractured, cubist depiction of a White Sox pitcher's delivery highlights the team's struggle to find consistency on the mound.Chicago Today

White Sox starter Shane Smith had a difficult outing, striking out 8 but also walking 5 and hitting a batter in just 3.2 innings. He acknowledged his inability to go deep into the game was 'killing our bullpen', as 6 Sox pitchers combined to throw 197 pitches in the 4-2 loss to the Orioles.

Why it matters

The White Sox are relying on Smith to be a key part of their rotation this season, so his early struggles are concerning. Putting extra strain on the bullpen this early in the year could have long-term consequences as the season progresses.

The details

Smith struck out 8, including a 12-pitch battle to retire Gunnar Henderson with the bases loaded in the 2nd. But he also walked 5, hit a batter, and was pulled after 99 pitches in the 4th inning. The White Sox bullpen kept the game close, but the Orioles rallied late to hand the Sox their 14th loss in the last 15 games between the teams.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • It was the third start of the season for Shane Smith.

The players

Shane Smith

The White Sox starting pitcher, a 2025 All-Star who is struggling to find his form early this season.

Gunnar Henderson

The Orioles shortstop who had a 12-pitch battle with Smith, eventually striking out.

Munetaka Murakami

The White Sox pinch hitter who struck out against Orioles closer Ryan Helsley in the 9th inning.

Will Venable

The White Sox manager who expressed a sense of urgency in helping Shane Smith get back on track.

Mike Vasil

The White Sox pitcher who is the team's 'spirit leader' while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“Just killing our bullpen. 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 3⅔ in your first [three] starts just puts you in a tough spot.”

— Shane Smith, White Sox Pitcher

“Changeup and curveball were amazing, especially in that long at-bat with Henderson when he struck him out with a 3-and-2 changeup.”

— Mike Vasil, White Sox Pitcher

“As important as Shane is to this club, we have to have a sense of urgency here, obviously, in making him better and supporting him.”

— Will Venable, White Sox Manager

What’s next

The White Sox will look for Shane Smith to bounce back in his next start, as they try to end their recent struggles against the Orioles.

The takeaway

This game highlights the importance of starting pitchers going deep into games to protect the bullpen, especially early in the season. The White Sox will need Smith to regain his All-Star form if they want to compete in the AL Central.