Shane Smith, a former Wake Forest pitcher with a troubled injury history, has emerged as a promising new player for the Chicago White Sox after being selected in the Rule 5 draft. Despite having faced multiple surgeries throughout his college career, Smith has significantly contributed to the team's performance with a 2.37 ERA. Alongside fellow pitcher Mike Vasil, who also shows potential, Smith represents hope for the rebuilding franchise, demonstrating that perseverance can lead to unexpected opportunities in professional baseball.
"My dream of playing professional baseball, to say it didn't waver would probably be lying," he said. "But I knew there was an avenue somehow."
The Rule 5 draft provides an opportunity for players left off big league team's 40-man rosters after several minor league seasons.
Smith has a 2.37 ERA in 68 1/3 innings over 13 starts, and Vasil has a 1.99 ERA in 45 1/3 innings over 20 appearances, all but two in relief.
‘Obviously Mike and I are, I think, putting our best foot forward as of now,’ Smith said. ‘The biggest thing we can do is just keep it going.’
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