Hagen Smith Gets First MLB Start Thursday vs. Pirates

The White Sox confirmed the assignment, first reported by James Fegan of the Chicago Sun-Times. First pitch is 6:40 p.m. CT. Pittsburgh is slated to start Jared Jones (3-6, 4.46 ERA).

Smith, 23, was the fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft out of Arkansas. All 10 of his big-league appearances have come in relief since his debut Aug. 9 against Cleveland. In 16 innings, he is 3-1 with a 0.56 ERA, five hits, one earned run, 10 walks and 23 strikeouts.

He is not expected to work deep into this one. Smith has thrown fewer than 40 pitches in each of his last three outings, including three scoreless innings on Sunday against Minnesota. A bulk reliever, Erick Fedde or Luis Castillo, depending on the night’s plan, is likely to follow after the first few innings.

Chicago sits 75-70 and two games up in the AL Central after a disappointing 4-2 loss on Wednesday night. Smith gives the Sox a left-handed look in a bullpen-style start as they try to avoid a series sweep.