Brewers, White Sox entrust Opening Day to young All-Star flamethrowers

The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to hard-throwing right-hander Jacob Misiorowski when they open defense of their National League Central Division title against the visiting Chicago White Sox on Thursday afternoon.

Misiorowski (5-3, 4.36 ERA in 2025), an All-Star selection last season as a rookie after just five major league starts, will oppose right-hander Shane Smith (7-8, 3.81).

Smith, a former Brewers prospect selected by the White Sox with the top pick of the 2024 Rule 5 Draft, made the American League All-Star team last season.

Misiorowski, who regularly tops 100 mph, appeared in 15 regular-season games, including 14 starts last season, striking out 87 in 66 innings. He was effective out of the bullpen in the postseason, going 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA and 16 strikeouts over 12 innings.

The 23-year-old Misiorowski will be the third-youngest Opening Day starter in franchise history behind Bill Parsons in 1972 and Ben Sheets in 2002.

"I'm excited. Can't wait, it's going to be fun," said Misiorowski, who has never faced the White Sox. "I don't think there's a thing such as too amped-up. I want all the juices I possibly can get."

Milwaukee has won three straight NL Central titles. After defeating the Chicago Cubs in five games in the NLDS last season, the Brewers were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.

The bulk of the Brewers' starting lineup will return, with the exception of at third base. After trading Caleb Durbin to Boston, the Brewers signed veteran Luis Rengifo to a one-year deal after seven seasons with the Angels. He hit .238 last season, but .300 over 78 games in 2024.

The outfield consists of Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick and Garrett Mitchell -- who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury -- and Brandon Lockridge. Chourio, still only 22 years old, has 21 homers in each of his first two seasons while hitting .272.

Andrew Vaughn and Jake Bauers are expected to split time at first base, with Brice Turang at second and Joey Ortiz at short. Speedy David Hamilton is the utility infielder.

Workhorse William Contreras is the No. 1 catcher, with veteran Gary Sanchez back for his second stint with the Brewers. Christian Yelich, who hit .264 with 29 homers and 103 RBI, is the primary DH.

The bullpen is stacked with Trevor Megill (30 saves), Abner Uribe (7 saves, 90 strikeouts in 75 1/3 innings), Jared Koenig, Aaron Ashby and DL Hall.

The White Sox, meanwhile, finished last in the AL Central at 60-102, but that was still a 19-game improvement over 2024.

After a strong start, Smith struggled in midseason before finishing with a flourish. The 25-year-old went 3-1 with a 3.81 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 26 innings during five September starts.

"It means a lot to me, and a lot for the White Sox to believe in me to start the season on a strong note," Smith said. "A year can change a lot of things; 18 months can change a lot of things in life. Really grateful to be here and represent the White Sox on Opening Day."

Smith, whose fastball generally tops out at 98 or 99 mph, has faced the Brewers once in his career, giving up three runs (one earned) on six hits over five innings in a no-decision last April 30. The White Sox lost 6-4.

Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, who hit 246 home runs in eight seasons for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, will be at first base. Shortstop Colson Montgomery hit .239 with 21 homers last season in a half-season as a rookie. Miguel Vargas, who split time last season between first and third, is expected to be the primary third baseman while Chase Meidroth returns at second.

Starting catcher Kyle Teel likely will be sidelined four to six weeks with a strained right hamstring suffered playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Edgar Quero and veteran Reese McGuire, signed this week after being released by the Brewers, are expected to share catching duties.

Andrew Benintendi, Luisangel Acuna and Austin Hays are likely to start in the outfield, with Lenyn Sosa in the mix at DH, as well as first and third.

Veteran Seranthony Dominguez, who split time last season with Baltimore and Toronto, will be the closer.

The pitching staff suffered a major blow during spring training when versatile Mike Vasil suffered that requires Tommy John surgery. Vasil, expected to challenge for a rotation spot, was 5-3 with four saves and a 2.50 ERA in 47 appearances, including three starts, as a rookie last season.

--Field Level Media