Smith allowed two runs on two hits and four walks while striking out three over 5.2 innings Tuesday against the Twins. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Smith cruised through 5.2 scoreless innings but got cut short of an opportunity for a quality start after walking back-to-back hitters. The Twins then rallied for five runs off Penn Murfee, taking away an opportunity for a win for Smith in his MLB debut. Smith generated lots of soft contact and showcased legit stuff. He lines up for a road start versus the Guardians next week.

Smith will open the season in the White Sox rotation, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Smith had already been told he was on the Opening Day roster, and the team has now provided confirmation that he'll be deployed as a starter. He secured the final rotation spot over Bryse Wilson, who will likely work in long relief. A Rule 5 pick, Smith earned the starting role by posting a 3.38 ERA and 11:4 K:BB over 10.2 innings covering four outings during Cactus League play.

Smith has been informed he has made the White Sox' Opening Day roster, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Rule 5 pick made the decision easy on the White Sox, posting a 3.38 ERA and 11:4 K:BB over 10.2 innings covering four starts during Cactus League play. Smith could be Chicago's fifth starter, although the team has not yet confirmed what his role will be. His main competition for the White Sox' final rotation spot is Bryse Wilson.

Smith struck out five batters and walked none while allowing one hit over three innings in his Cactus League start against the Dodgers on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The first pick of the 2024 Rule 5 draft, Smith was left unprotected by Milwaukee but has impressed thus far in White Sox camp. The 24-year-old righty averaged 96.8 mph on his four-seam fastball (touching 98.4 mph) and threw the pitch 55 percent of the time Saturday. He mixed in his three secondary offerings, but it was Smith's fastball that shut down a stacked Dodgers lineup, including two Ks against Shohei Ohtani plus one apiece against Freddie Freeman and Will Smith. With Drew Thorpe (elbow) likely to open the year on the shelf, Smith could win the final spot in Chicago's rotation. He has certainly pitched well enough this spring (nine Ks, 0.75 WHIP in 6.2 innings) that the White Sox won't be returning Smith to the Brewers.