GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Chicago White Sox pitching staff is working diligently to consistently improve their performance this spring, with pitching coach Zach Bove emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus over consecutive days. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, pitchers are closely following individualized plans designed to enhance specific elements of their game.
During a session Tuesday at Camelback Ranch, Bove highlighted how each pitcher is concentrating on key areas such as pitch sequencing, movement, and situational execution.
“Each guy’s got an individual focus,”
he said.
“That’s the plan with each guy, whether it’s the shape, count leverage, maybe it’s a sequencing thing — any time we meet with them, we’re kind of reviewing that. ‘Hey, here’s the plan moving forward,’ and staying on them with that.”
He added,
“These guys, they know their plan by now. Now it’s holding themselves accountable to it.”
Shane Smith Demonstrates Improvement in Second Spring Outing
Among the pitchers advancing through their spring ramps are Shane Smith, Anthony Kay, and Davis Martin, all making their second starts of the spring season. Smith notably faced a critical moment in the third inning of his most recent appearance Saturday at Goodyear Ballpark when Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez came to the plate with a runner on base and two outs.
Smith struck out Ramírez on just four pitches, completing three innings with poise. He allowed a single run on two hits while issuing one walk and striking out two batters.
Reflecting on his performance, Smith noted,
“I felt the rhythm was a little better in the delivery,”
and added,
“Able to land some offspeed for strikes early on. Just located the fastball a lot better than last time.”
In his two starts so far, Smith has pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs, four hits, and two walks while striking out two. He emphasized the importance of his fastball in the process.
“A lot of it is realizing my fastball is my bread and butter,”
he said.
“If I don’t have that, it’s going to be a long day. Just trying to make sure that’s consistent. Everything else kind of comes along with that.”
Smith also acknowledged encountering familiar opponents with the Guardians but remained focused on working through his plan.
“I threw against them three times last year, so when those names come up, I have a good idea,”
he said.
“But if I’m trying to work on something I’ll work on it, not really dependent on who’s in the lineup.”
Having signed a two-year deal in the offseason, Smith continues to build chemistry with the White Sox catchers, recently working with Edgar Quero in a game against the Chicago Cubs.
Anthony Kay Improves Communication and Control in Recent Appearance
Right-hander Anthony Kay reported progress in his second spring start Sunday at Sloan Park against the Cubs, highlighting better communication with catcher Edgar Quero. Kay praised Quero, stating,
“He’s been really solid. We’re still trying to get to know each other a little bit as far as what I want to throw and what I’m comfortable throwing with.”
On his improved outing, Kay said,
“(Sunday) was a lot better than last time. We had some good communication in between outings to figure out what I usually do and what I want to throw. We were a little bit more on page (Sunday).”
Kay pitched 2 2/3 innings in that game, allowing one run on three hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Across his two starts, he has yielded two runs in 4 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and four walks.
Regarding his control, Kay shared,
“Felt I was a little bit more in control of myself a little bit, compared to last time. Overall, I made a lot of good pitches. Two walks aren’t ideal, a couple of uncompetitive pitches in those at-bats. But overall, it was really good.”
In addition to pitching, Kay made a defensive impact by picking off Pete Crow-Armstrong trying to steal third base in the second inning.
“I pride myself in being able to hold runners on,”
Kay said.
“It’s such a little thing, and it’s a difference-maker out there. It’s one big focus we’ve had so far in this spring training, holding runners, don’t give them the free 90. That’s the least you can do out there, make sure these guys aren’t taking the extra bases.”
Davis Martin Shows Signs of Progress and Game Awareness
Davis Martin faced challenges upon returning to live game action Monday against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch, adjusting to varied situations on the mound after months of bullpen work without runners on base.
“All offseason you’re throwing bullpens and it’s super easy with nobody on base,”
he said.
“Once you get a guy on second, you’ve got to vary your looks, vary your holds. Normal spring training stuff.”
During Monday’s outing, the Giants threatened with runners on first and second and one out in the second inning, but Martin reacted effectively by inducing Eric Haase to ground into a double play, ending the inning.
Martin allowed three runs on four hits, with two walks and two strikeouts over three innings. Across his two spring starts, he has now pitched five innings, surrendering four runs on five hits, along with three walks and two strikeouts.
He emphasized that this phase of spring training focuses on refining his pitching arsenal.
“This is probably the best the stuff has been, slider is in a good spot, changeup is in a good spot,”
Martin said.
“The cutter, it’s been in a good spot. Just the overall stuff I feel has ticked up a little bit.”
Martin also reflected on the importance of adjusting quickly during games.
“You don’t want to look at the results, but you look at two walks and you try to remember, hey, how do we make that adjustment in one pitch, two pitches and not two batters. Another part of spring training, you’re trying to knock off the cobwebs of all that stuff.”
Implications for the White Sox as Spring Training Advances
The development and preparation of pitchers like Shane Smith, Anthony Kay, and Davis Martin play a critical role in the Chicago White Sox’s outlook for the upcoming season. With focused individual plans, improved communication between pitchers and catchers, and an emphasis on game situations such as holding runners and pitch sequencing, the staff aims to sharpen consistency and build confidence during each outing.
As pitchers refine their mechanics and mental approaches while adjusting to live competition, the lessons learned in spring training will influence their ability to perform under pressure in the regular season. The White Sox coaching staff’s emphasis on accountability and tailored development plans indicates an investment in sustained growth, potentially leading to a stronger and more reliable pitching rotation as the season progresses.
