Shane Smith made an impressive big-league debut for the Chicago White Sox against the Minnesota Twins, allowing two runs in 5 2/3 innings with three strikeouts and four walks. Despite not factoring into the decision in the 8-3 loss, Smith felt good about his performance and aims to improve for his next start. He noted the importance of finding the right pitches and how supportive his teammates, like fellow pitcher Mike Vasil, have been. Smith enjoyed having nearly 50 family and friends at his debut, cherishing their support as he settles into his new role in Major League Baseball.
CLEVELAND — Shane Smith felt uneasy when Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton connected with a fastball in the fourth inning.
“As soon as I heard that, I thought it might go over the fence,” the Chicago White Sox starter recounted.
However, with the wind blowing in at Rate Field on Tuesday, left fielder Andrew Benintendi drifted over and caught the ball. Smith let out a sigh of relief as he watched the play unfold.
“I couldn’t even tell if (Benintendi) was on the warning track, and I thought, ‘That ball should be 30 rows deep,’” Smith said.
This was one of many standout moments during Smith’s major league debut against the Twins. He surrendered two runs on two hits, accumulating three strikeouts and four walks across 5 2/3 innings, ultimately not factoring into the decision in the 8-3 loss.
“I did a lot of good things, but there are definitely areas to improve — whether it’s mechanically or in terms of pitch selection,” Smith shared with the Tribune on Saturday in Detroit. “Overall, I look back on that day fondly and aim to build on it.”
Smith is set to make his second start Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
“I’m just trying to discover what works for me and utilize those effective pitches more,” he explained. “It varies from day to day; if the slider is effective that day, I lean on that. Or if the changeup, curveball, or fastball is working better, I focus on those.”
“It’s all about finding what’s going to be effective against the lineup and what I feel good about for that particular day. I also want to ensure my bullpens this week reflect what I’m planning for my next start.”
At 25, Smith is navigating the major leagues for the first time after being selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Sox from the Milwaukee Brewers in December. He described the past week as “incredible.”
“It’s nice to settle in with the team,” he said. “After that first start (against the Twins), the initial chaos settled down a bit. Now I’m looking forward to getting into a rhythm and putting together some consistent outings.”
Teammate Mike Vasil has observed some of the efforts Smith made to reach this milestone. The two, both from Massachusetts, trained together during the offseason.
“I witness his dedication daily,” Vasil said recently. “I see his rigorous workouts in the gym. He really motivates me to push myself.”
“The first spring training update I caught was him striking out (Los Angeles Dodgers DH Shohei) Ohtani (in a March 8 Cactus League game). I thought, ‘What’s happening out there?’ I started following closely. But I wasn’t surprised because I witnessed his hard work all offseason.”
Similar to Smith, Vasil was also selected in the Rule 5 draft, although his path to the Sox was different. The Philadelphia Phillies chose the right-hander from the New York Mets and subsequently traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Sox picked Vasil off waivers towards the end of spring training.
“It was undoubtedly the most unique experience I’ve had in spring training,” Vasil noted. “But overall, I’m thrilled to be here and couldn’t be happier.”
Vasil, 25, has allowed only two hits in four scoreless innings during his two relief appearances this season. He made his major league debut on March 31 against the Twins. Vasil shared with the Tribune last week that his favorite aspect of the day was being able to share it with his family.
“Having them on the field afterward to take photos — my mom, dad, sister — it means a lot to me,” Vasil said. “And my dad (Greg), especially, having invested so much time with me throughout my baseball journey. Seeing him behind home plate while I pitched in a major league game is truly special.”
Smith had nearly 50 friends and family members present for his debut.
“I’ll cherish that memory forever,” he said. “Their love and support for me as an individual is priceless.”