First Pitches: White Sox vs. Rockies, at Diamondbacks

The White Sox rotation gained some clarity on Friday, but the depth behind the initial five-man plans took a hit.

Will Venable told reporters that Sean Burke is slated to open the season in the rotation alongside Martín Pérez, Davis Martin and Jonathan Cannon, which leaves the last spot down to Shane Smith and Bryse Wilson. That Burke had an inside track on a rotation spot has been an open secret since...whenever his last start of 2024 wrapped up, but now he can lead a split squad effort against the Diamondbacks without pressure.

But Mason Adams then went and departed his Friday start early with right elbow discomfort that will require imaging, which has the potential of removing one of the earliest sixth-starter candidates, or at least the one that coaches were most excited about. Behind Adams are guys like Nick Nastrini and Jairo Iriarte, both of whom have major league arms, but require a lot more maintenance when it comes to their ability to throw strikes to major league hitters.

If the Sox had Pérez on an extra day of rest from here on out--he hasn't been, as this will be his second-straight outing on regular rest--he'd be on track to start opening day. If he sticks on on a five-day schedule, Pérez is in line for the third game of the season.

First pitch: White Sox vs. Rockies

Listen: ESPN 1000

Watch: This link.

Lineups:

Other first pitch: White Sox at Diamondbacks

Listen: MLB.TV (Diamondbacks radio feed)