Shane Smith has quickly made a name for himself in the MLB, showcasing his talent with remarkable performances that led to his selection as an All-Star. The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, part of the Chicago White Sox, made headlines after striking out notable players like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman during a spring training game. Smith became the first rookie All-Star for the White Sox since Jose Abreu in 2014 and the first rookie pitcher ever to achieve this feat after being selected in the Rule 5 Draft.

Despite facing challenges during the season, including a recent rough outing where he allowed five runs in 4⅓ innings, Smith's earlier performance had him ranking fifth among all MLB rookies with a 4.20 ERA and an impressive 76 strikeouts over 81⅔ innings pitched. His story reflects a remarkable journey from minor leagues to an All-Star spot, highlighting his potential as a long-term asset for the rebuilding White Sox.

The waiver wire is heating up as the 2025 MLB season rolls into Week 15. With the All-Star break approaching, the need for savvy pickups is paramount, especially with injuries affecting key players. Colson Montgomery has made an impressive start with the Chicago White Sox, going 3-for-7 with a triple and an RBI since his promotion. Meanwhile, Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays is on fire, boasting a .346 average with three home runs over the last week. Key injuries to monitor include Gleyber Torres of the Detroit Tigers, who is day-to-day with a neck issue, and players like Grant Taylor and Eury Perez are also hot commodities among waiver seekers.

Bobby Jenks, a former pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, has passed away at the age of 44 due to a rare form of stomach cancer. Jenks was a two-time All-Star and played a pivotal role in the White Sox's 2005 World Series victory, throwing the final pitch in Game 4 against the Houston Astros, which ended an 88-year championship drought for the franchise. White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf expressed deep sorrow over Jenks' passing, highlighting his significant contributions to the team and its culture.

Jenks had a successful career with the White Sox, which included six seasons before finishing with the Boston Red Sox. Unfortunately, injuries limited his appearances in Boston, where he only played 19 games in 2011 because of complications from bone spurs. After his retirement, Jenks moved to Portugal, where he continued to face health challenges.

Colson Montgomery, the highly-touted prospect of the Chicago White Sox, made a remarkable entry into the Major Leagues, achieving a 3-for-5 batting record with three hits in his debut game against the Colorado Rockies, which ended in a 10-3 victory for his team. Montgomery also contributed defensively by turning two double plays from the shortstop position.

Following a slightly shaky first game where he went 0-for-2, Montgomery rebounded impressively. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 230 pounds, he was a first-round draft pick in 2021, showcasing his potential by hitting 18 home runs in Triple-A last year. With the White Sox struggling, Montgomery's swift ascent presents a glimmer of hope for fans.

Colson Montgomery, the Chicago White Sox's new shortstop, made a stellar mark in his second major-league game, hitting an RBI triple that not only marked his first career hit but also helped the Sox to a resounding 10-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies. Montgomery's impressive 3-for-5 performance included two crucial singles, and he contributed to the Sox's robust two-out scoring, which accounted for eight runs throughout the game.

Alongside Montgomery, Lenyn Sosa shone brightly with three hits and four RBIs, including a two-run homer. The White Sox matched last season's series victory total with this win, showcasing their offensive depth with a season-high of 15 hits, including a staggering 464-foot home run by Michael A. Taylor in the ninth inning.