The Toronto Blue Jays were able to start their season on their home turf with a pair of series against the Athletics and the Colorado Rockies. Quite an easy start to their 2026. Now, it is time for them to hit the road to take on the Chicago White Sox.
Originally, the ballclub would have jumped on a plane almost immediately after the final game of the Rockies series, but the White Sox home opener has been pushed back a day, giving both teams a chance to regroup.
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The three-game series dates and times have been updated to a 1:10 PM (CT) start time for the entire weekend: April 3rd through April 5th. A good old Friday through Sunday matchup, giving White Sox fans a full weekend of baseball to enjoy their team’s return home.
Anybody who purchased tickets, stadium passes, and/or prepaid for parking for the game on April 2, doesn’t have to worry about exchanging per the White Sox official press release.
Inclement weather in Chicago has ultimately forced this start date back, but it is definitely going to benefit both ballclubs. The White Sox only won one game in their two series on the road, while the Blue Jays are fighting for their lives to stay healthy.
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A day off won’t fix everything, but it dang sure won’t hurt.
White Sox vs. Blue Jays Preview
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Eric Lauer (56) pitches to the Athletics during the third inning at Rogers Centre. | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
After watching Dylan Cease pitch lights out in his debut with the Blue Jays, everyone is eager to see him pitch again. The time has come as he will be the probable matchup with Sean Burke, who did not have near the start that Cease did.
Cease stepped out there and not only held hitters to a .150 batting average, but he also retired 12 batters in the Jays’ win over the Athletics. Burke, on the other hand, had to pitch in Milwaukee, which is a daunting task.
He struck out five in four innings, but he has a 6.75 ERA after allowing four runs to score and letting the Brewers hit .368 off him.
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Anthony Kay (18) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Game two will likely feature a familiar face back in the rotation, who is stepping up in the absence of four starters- Eric Lauer. Lauer was more than impressive in his first start of the year, as he finished with nine strikeouts, and his matchup with Anthony Kay could be more interesting than the Cease vs. Burke.
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As of right now, it isn’t surprising that the Jays don’t have a starter named for the finale, as it should have been Cody Ponce. But Ponce is now on the injured list for who knows how long.
The Blue Jays might have a winning record, but they will have to fight tooth and nail to get every win they can as their rotation works to get healthy. It will be nice for everyone to catch their breath before heading to Chicago.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/bluejays/onsi as Blue Jays Announce Schedule Change for Upcoming White Sox Battle in Chicago.