Chicago sent Shane Smith to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday after a rough start to the season. In his latest outing versus Baltimore, he surrendered one hit, struck out eight and walked five, failing to complete the fourth inning. Manager Will Venable said the move protects wins and the bullpen while Smith works on his command.

Smith entered the year as a 2025 Rule 5 breakout, earning an All‑Star nod and the Opening Day assignment. Yet he has logged 171 pitches in just 8⅔ innings, posting a 10.80 ERA and a 0‑2 record. Venable cited erratic fastball location as the primary flaw, noting the high pitch count and frequent bullpen usage are unsustainable.

The club promoted left‑hander Tyler Schweitzer, a 2022 fifth‑round pick, to fill Smith’s roster spot and likely debut soon. Venable stressed the demotion is short‑term, hoping Smith refines his four‑seam fastball and returns to the rotation. The decision underscores Chicago’s urgency to stabilize a struggling rotation early in the campaign.