The White Sox will start rookie left-hander Hagen Smith against the Cleveland Guardians in Saturday’s American League Division Series opener. Guardians right-hander Parker Messick will start opposite him.
Smith pitched three scoreless innings in Game 1 of the wild-card series against Houston, allowing two hits as Chicago built a 4-0 lead on its way to a 6-3 win. Manager Will Venable said Friday that the off days in the longer division series would allow the White Sox to rely on their bullpen for additional innings.
Across 18 regular-season appearances, Smith posted a 1.29 ERA in 28 innings, with 41 strikeouts and 16 walks. In three games against Cleveland, he allowed two runs over 5 2/3 innings.
Messick made 32 starts this season, going 12-9 with a 2.56 ERA. He faced the White Sox four times, recording a 2-1 mark and a 2.81 ERA.
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