Smith’s Rise to the Top

Shane Smith is still reeling from the news that he’s been named the Chicago White Sox’s opening-day starter. ‘It means a lot to me and it means a lot for the White Sox to believe in me,’ Smith said. ‘A year can change a lot of things… I’m really grateful to be here and to represent the White Sox on opening day.’

A Year of Growth

Last year, Smith was fighting for a roster spot. He not only made the team but also became the White Sox’s representative at the All-Star Game. The right-hander finished his rookie season with a 7-8 record, 3.81 ERA, and 145 strikeouts in 146 1/3 innings.
Smith will face his former team, the Milwaukee Brewers, on March 26. ‘It’s really cool to see,’ manager Will Venable said of Smith’s accomplishments. ‘He works extremely hard… he’s got the right mentality.’

Smith found out about the opening-day assignment after walking into Venable’s office on Sunday. ‘You never know when you walk in and see your general manager and manager sitting there,’ Smith said. ‘I’m super thankful… your career, you never think it’s going to go one way or another.’

Facing the Brewers

Smith pitched for the Brewers’ organization before the White Sox selected him in the Rule 5 draft. ‘I think it will be cool,’ Smith said of facing his former team. ‘A lot of my good buddies are still over there… opening day against anybody, it’s an honor.’

Smith doesn’t like to compare his feelings about earning a roster spot last year to getting the opening-day nod this year. ‘Similar feeling of just trying to work your butt off to achieve a goal,’ Smith said. ‘Last year, it was making the team… opening day was what I wanted.’

Venable has watched Smith grow on and off the field. ‘(He’s) somebody that obviously from a performance standpoint has put himself in that category of guys we want at the front of our rotation,’ Venable said. ‘But also as a teammate and a leader in our clubhouse, he’s a guy that sets an example for our group.’