White Sox manager Robin Ventura told Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times Wednesday that right-hander Jeff Samardzija will get the club’s Opening Day start on April 6 in Kansas City.
Samardzija will face off against 23-year-old Royals right-hander Yordano Ventura, who was also given the official Opening Day nod on Wednesday.
Chris Sale would have been Chicago’s Opening Day starter, but he’s expected to miss the first week of the season due to an avulsion fracture in his right foot.
Samardzija was acquired from the Athletics in December as part of a six-player trade.
He posted a 2.99 ERA and 1.065 WHIP in 219 2/3 innings last year between the Cubs and A’s.