White Sox Finalize Season-Opening Rotation

Newcomb to pitch out of bullpen, Cannon sent to Triple-A

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:03am

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The Chicago White Sox have finalized their season-opening starting rotation, with Shane Smith set to start Opening Day followed by Sean Burke, Davis Martin, Anthony Kay, and Erick Fedde. The team pushed starter Mike Vasil to the injured list with an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery, moved Sean Newcomb to the bullpen, and optioned Jonathan Cannon to Triple-A.

Why it matters

The White Sox are in a rebuilding phase, and their starting rotation is considered one of the weaker units in the American League. The team is hoping that newcomers like Anthony Kay and Erick Fedde can provide a boost, while also developing young arms like Burke and Martin.

The details

White Sox manager Will Venable announced the team's season-opening rotation, with Shane Smith as the Opening Day starter followed by Sean Burke, Davis Martin, Anthony Kay, and Erick Fedde. Mike Vasil was pushed to the injured list with an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery, while Sean Newcomb was moved to the bullpen after a shaky spring. The team also optioned Jonathan Cannon to Triple-A Charlotte.

  • The White Sox finalized their rotation on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Will Venable

The manager of the Chicago White Sox.

Shane Smith

The White Sox's Opening Day starting pitcher.

Sean Burke

A member of the White Sox's season-opening starting rotation.

Davis Martin

A member of the White Sox's season-opening starting rotation.

Anthony Kay

A new offseason signing who is a member of the White Sox's season-opening starting rotation.

Erick Fedde

A new offseason signing who is a member of the White Sox's season-opening starting rotation.

Mike Vasil

A White Sox pitcher who was pushed to the injured list with an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery.

Sean Newcomb

A White Sox pitcher who was moved to the bullpen after a shaky spring training.

Jonathan Cannon

A White Sox pitcher who was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.