Chicago White Sox announce Grant Taylor will open Friday\u2019s 2026 home opener at Guaranteed Rate Field, followed by Sean Burke vs. Toronto Blue Jays.<\/p>\n
The Chicago White Sox will use a bullpen opener for Friday\u2019s home opener at Rate Field, with right-hander Grant Taylor starting the game before turning it over to Sean Burke.<\/p>\n
The team confirmed<\/a> the pitching plan on Thursday.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Taylor will face the Toronto Blue Jays for the first time this season, followed by Burke, who was originally scheduled to start.<\/p>\n Taylor, 27, has been used primarily in relief since arriving on the White Sox roster, but has experience opening two games<\/a> in the big leagues last season. The former top prospect returned from Tommy John surgery in 2025<\/a> and has shown improved velocity, but is still looking to harness his command in both early regular-season appearances.<\/p>\n Story continues below.<\/p>\n More Sports News<\/p>\n \t .wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla), \t\tsvg { Burke, 24, has been one of the more reliable young arms in the White Sox rotation through the first week of the season. The right-hander is expected to handle the bulk of the innings after Taylor.<\/p>\n The White Sox open their first homestand of 2026 against the Blue Jays on Friday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. CT.<\/p>\n
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