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White Sox Option All-Star Amid Disappointing Start

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 12:59 PM ET

After struggling through his first three starts, the Chicago White Sox optioned right-hander Shane Smith to Triple-A Charlotte. The White Sox's lone All-Star in 2025, Smith had a 0-2 record with a 10.80 ERA, while walking nine and hitting a batter in 8.1 innings.

Smith was the White Sox's Opening Day starter versus the Milwaukee Brewers . To take Smith’s place on the active roster, the White Sox are selecting the contract of left-hander Tyler Schweitzer.

Ranked as the White Sox's 23rd-best prospect, Schweitzer had a 1.80 ERA in five innings with the Charlotte Knights this season and went 8-2 with a 4.61 ERA between Double-A (Birmingham) and Triple-A last season. Not on the 40-man roster, the White Sox transferred infielder/outfielder Brooks Baldwin to the 60-day injured list (Tommy John surgery) to make room for Schweitzer.

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— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 8, 2026

The White Sox's starting rotation has been terrible to begin the year, with some bright spots

The White Sox's starting rotation has been the weakest part of the roster to start the season, ranking 28th in Major League Baseball in starters' ERA (5.25). Their starters have also walked 19 (21st in MLB) in 36.0 innings (dead last in MLB).

Right-handers Davis Martin and Sean Burke have been the only effective White Sox starters, with Martin having a 2.45 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 11.0 innings and Burke posting a 3.60 ERA and also having 12 strikeouts in 10.0 innings.

During their series with the reigning American League champions, the Toronto Blue Jays , manager Will Venable has used right-hander Grant Taylor as an opener. Taylor has a 1.80 in five games (three starts) and has allowed one earned run and struck out seven in five innings.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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