Preview: White Sox at Brewers, Opening Day 2026

MILWAUKEE (Interstat) — The Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers will open their 2026 seasons on Thursday at American Family Field, a matchup projected to be a tight pitchers’ duel.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. CDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 67 degrees.

The White Sox will send right-hander Shane Smith to the mound. Smith’s season record is 0-0, as both clubs enter with pristine 0-0 marks. The Brewers’ starting pitcher had not been announced as of Wednesday.

This contest marks the first official game for both teams since last fall. The White Sox concluded their 2025 campaign with an 8-0 road win over the Washington Nationals on Sept. 28. The Brewers’ most recent result was a 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series on Oct. 17.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Thursday’s opener could be a low-scoring affair, projecting a 1-0 victory for the visiting White Sox.

The game begins a three-game, opening-weekend series between the clubs. They will meet again in Milwaukee on Saturday and Sunday before each embarks on a road trip. The White Sox will visit the Miami Marlins for three games starting Monday, while the Brewers will host the Tampa Bay Rays for a three-game set beginning the same day.

For Milwaukee, this homestand continues a early-season interleague focus. After hosting the White Sox and Rays, the Brewers will travel to face the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox.

Chicago’s first homestand of 2026 begins next Thursday, April 2, when they host the Toronto Blue Jays at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Thursday’s opener offers a fresh start for both American League Central and National League Central squads looking to set an immediate tone for the new campaign.