# Smith Starts Game 1, Taylor and Schultz Key in ALDS

> Hagen Smith starts Game 1 as White Sox bullpen trio prepares for Guardians in ALDS.
- Title: Smith Starts Game 1, Taylor and Schultz Key in ALDS · Mlb
- Summary: Hagen Smith starts Game 1 as White Sox bullpen trio prepares for Guardians in ALDS. Hagen Smith starts Game 1 of the American League Division Series against…
- Keywords: hagen smith, grant taylor, noah schultz, white sox, guardians, al division series, bullpen, sports, Smith, Starts, Game, Taylor
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/hagen-smith-to-start-game-1-of-alds-for-white-sox-vs-guardians
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: hagen smith, grant taylor, noah schultz, white sox, guardians, al division series, bullpen, sports
## Smith Starts Game 1
Hagen Smith starts Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Guardians on Saturday at Progressive Field.
## Taylor and Schultz in Bullpen
Grant Taylor and Noah Schultz have become integral parts of the White Sox bullpen as they approach Game 1 of the American League Division Series.
## Manager Venable's Plan
Manager Will Venable said Smith and Taylor could see work in the first three games of the series with off-days built in on Sunday and Tuesday.
## Smith's Season Journey
Smith opened his season as a starter for Triple-A Charlotte but moved to the bullpen on July 19 after missing more than a month with a left shoulder impingement.
## Taylor's Closing Role
Taylor has emerged as one of the AL’s top closers with 54 pitches in finishing off Tuesday’s victory.
## Schultz's Transition
Schultz was mostly a starter for the Knights and the White Sox before moving to the bullpen after returning from a stint with the Knights on Sept. 16.
## Bullpen Strategy
The White Sox rely on this top-notch bullpen crew and studying matchups for their playoff success.
## Key takeaway

Hagen Smith starts Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Guardians, with Grant Taylor and Noah Schultz also critical to White Sox playoff success.