Impressive pitching future on display in White Sox camp

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – The White Sox rotation is a solid work in progress in the present, topped by right-hander Shane Smith, who pitched three innings Saturday during a 7-5 victory over the Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark.

But their potential Triple-A Charlotte rotation, with left-handers Noah Schultz (No. 49 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline) and Hagen Smith (No. 72) and right-handers Tanner McDougal and David Sandlin, could be a look at a future strength for the South Siders.

“We think about it a lot, we talk about it a lot. We were all teammates last year. We’ve been teammates before. I’ve played with Noah almost everywhere,” McDougal said. “And then Hagen obviously last year.

“It will be cool. It will be a hard week for the hitters. You’re getting a lot of different stuff and a lot of high-octane stuff.”

Smith threw an impressive live BP on Saturday in Glendale, with first Cactus League game action set to follow. McDougal allowed two runs over three innings in Maryvale on Friday, with three strikeouts and no walks, topping 100 mph four times according to Statcast.

Schultz followed McDougal to the Maryvale mound by allowing one run in two innings with three strikeouts, feeling good about his first Cactus League outing.

“First couple of hitters, I was warming up to it. But then settled in and really happy with the results,” Schultz said. “Establishing the changeup. I’ve had the third pitch, but want to increase the usage and keep the hitters guessing.

“Felt good, really confident with [the changeup]. I think a lot of times, counts when I would normally throw a slider, it was good to throw hitters off. Got to keep them on their toes.”

These hurlers will continue working with each other in the White Sox big league camp. They will continue this work together in Minor League camp and with the Knights, although they honestly will be competing with each other in a positive manner.

“We’re competing against the hitters just as much as we’re competing with each other,” McDougal said. “Whether we say it or we don’t, you see Noah or Hagen go out and pitch real well and it’s like, ‘OK, I want to pitch real well, too.’

“That was kind of the biggest thing when I got to Double-A last year. You go out and see these guys pitch and it’s like, ‘OK, this is the standard so you’ve got to live up to the standard.’ It’s the game within the game. It’s good to have those guys around you.”

SMITH IN RHYTHM

Shane Smith felt in better rhythm with his delivery during Saturday’s 41-pitch outing.

“I was able to land some offspeed for strikes early on. Just located the fastball a lot better than last time,” said Smith, who struck out two and walked one. “A lot of it is realizing my fastball is going to be my bread and butter.

“If I don’t have that, it’s going to be a long day. Just trying to make sure that’s consistent and everything goes along with that.”

Cleveland’s lineup featured seven players in the mix for the Opening Day roster, including Steven Kwan and José Ramírez. But Smith’s focus fell upon his work.

“I didn’t know what the lineup was until they announced before the game,” Smith said. “I threw against them three times last year so when those names come up, I have a good idea. But if I’m trying to work on something, I’ll work on it, not really dependent on who’s in the lineup.

“That’s how it should be in season but obviously things change. If I see a lefty up, I’m probably not going to throw a ton of sliders. If I see a righty up, that changes things, too. Who’s in there right now doesn’t matter too much.”

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

There was communication between the White Sox and Munetaka Murakami on the overall health aspect before the first baseman left to join Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

“If anything pops up, we can support him and make sure he’s got everything he needs and also he’s mindful of where he’s at and honest with us,” manager Will Venable said. “We know he’s going to want to be out there and playing.

“At the same time, he understands his role with the White Sox and values that as well. Just wanted to have open communication.”

Murakami is excited for his first Major League challenge. He also told MLB.com recently how being part of the WBC means everything to him.