White Sox Make Pitching Decision for Pirates Matchup

The 2024 first-round pick most recently threw three scoreless, hitless innings against the Minnesota Twins, striking out four. However, his move into the rotation will require the White Sox to manage his workload carefully after he has not worked deep into games this season.

Smith has thrown more than 48 pitches just once in his professional career this season, making a shorter outing or bullpen support a possibility. The left-hander also spent time on the minor league injured list earlier this year with a shoulder impingement before returning in July.

The decision comes as the White Sox try to protect their lead in a tight AL Central race. Chicago entered the matchup at 75-70, two games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians after losing the first two games of the series to Pittsburgh.

The Pirates will counter with Jared Jones, who enters with a 4.46 ERA in 17 starts. Jones is coming off one of his best outings of the season, throwing six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts against the Los Angeles Angels.

With the White Sox needing a win to stop their slide, Smith will get an opportunity to show whether his dominant relief work can translate into a starting role.