Erick Fedde, a White Sox starter, had a stressful and uncertain period of free agency following a subpar year that saw him left off the Brewers' playoff roster. Fedde was approached by Davis Martin, who had previously connected with him during spring training, and will now be part of the Opening Day rotation with Fedde and Sean Burke claiming the two rotation spots behind Shane Smith, left-hander Anthony Kay and Martin. The two players' paths are intertwined as Fedde's trade to the Cardinals allowed Martin to return to the majors after he missed the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. The Sox's lineup against the Reds was likely a preview of their Opening Day lineup, but manager Will Venable did not reveal it.