Suzuki and the Smokies: Opening Act Knoxville Smokies vs. Birmingham Barons 4/3-4/5

Connor Nelson

It’s that time of year again—Smokies baseball is back in Knoxville.

Opening weekend at Covenant Health Park features a matchup with the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, as the Smokies begin a nine-game homestand to kick off the 2026 season. A year ago, Knoxville opened on the road while Covenant Health Park received its finishing touches. This time around, the Smokies return home with higher expectations and a roster built to make an early statement. That group will get an added boost from a familiar name at the big-league level. Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki is set to begin a rehab assignment in Knoxville, bringing a major league presence—and plenty of attention—to opening weekend.

Suzuki isn’t the only storyline to watch. The Smokies’ Opening Day roster features four of the Cubs’ Top 30 prospects, evenly split between two pitchers and two position players, giving fans an early look at some of the organization’s rising talent. Standing in their way are the back-to-back defending Southern League champion Birmingham Barons, who arrive in Knoxville with four Top 30 prospects of their own. These two clubs were evenly matched a season ago, splitting the series 12–12, and with a mix of returning faces and new additions on both sides, the rivalry picks right back up where it left off. For the Smokies, the goal is simple: start fast, protect home field, and set the tone for what they hope will be a big 2026 season in Knoxville.

First pitch of the series is set for 7:00 PM ET Friday night at Covenant Health Park.

The Smokies enter opening weekend with an influx of new talent, including five players beginning their first season in the Cubs organization. One of those newcomers will take the ball on Opening Day, RHP Zane Mills.

Mills spent the past five seasons working his way through the Cardinals’ system, building an impressive résumé along the way. Smokies manager Lance Rymel is very familiar with what he brings, recalling, “He dominated us when I managed against him, so I’m excited he’s on my side now.” With nearly 400 minor league innings under his belt and a deep six-pitch mix, Mills provides both experience and versatility at the top of the rotation.

On the offensive side, Knoxville fans should keep a close eye on infielder Jefferson Rojas and catcher Ariel Armas. Rojas returns to the Smokies after a brief stint late in 2025, and the Cubs’ No. 5 prospect looks poised to make an immediate impact. After an impressive Spring Training, the 20-year-old is ready to establish himself at the Double-A level as he approaches his 21st birthday later this month. Armas, the Cubs’ No. 20 prospect, is set to make his Double-A debut this weekend. A highly regarded catcher, he’s already earned praise from Rymel, a former Smokies backstop himself. “I wish I had his skills when I played, because he’s really, really good,” Rymel said. Armas will be tested right away, as Birmingham brings a seasoned pitching staff into the opening series.

The Barons arrive in Knoxville looking to defend their Southern League title, opening the season against a familiar division rival. While these two clubs split last year’s season series, the Smokies held the edge at home—something Birmingham will be eager to flip early in 2026. To do that, the Barons will hand the ball to a relatively unfamiliar face for Knoxville. Left-hander Lucas Gordon is slated to follow Zane Mills on the mound, continuing his steady climb through the White Sox system. The 24-year-old owns a 2.80 ERA across three minor league seasons and now looks to prove he’s ready for the next step at the Triple-A level.

At the plate, all eyes turn to White Sox No. 1 prospect Braden Montgomery, who begins his second professional season in Double-A. The switch-hitting outfielder brings elite raw power from both sides of the plate and has the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Montgomery pairs that power with above-average speed in right field, covering plenty of ground defensively—and showing off a strong arm that once touched 96 mph during his time at Stanford before transferring to Mississippi State to focus on hitting.

Probable Pitching Matchups

4/3 Friday, 7:00 PM ET

RHP Zane Mills (0-0, - ERA) vs. LHP Lucas Gordon (0-0, - ERA)

4/4 Saturday, 7:00 PM ET

RHP Luis Martinez-Gomez (0-0, - ERA) vs. RHP Connor McDougal (0-0, - ERA)

4/5 Sunday, 2:00 PM ET

RHP Yenrri Rojas (0-0, - ERA) vs. LHP Shane Murphy (0-0, - ERA)

All signs point to an exciting opening weekend at Covenant Health Park, as a new-look Smokies roster meets a proven contender in Birmingham. With top prospects on both sides, a big-league rehab assignment headlining the series, and strong pitching matchups lined up, this weekend sets the tone for what should be a competitive start to the 2026 season. Fans will also be treated to a full slate of promotions, beginning with Opening Night on Friday, followed by back-to-back Summer Fireworks Series shows on Friday and Saturday night, and wrapping up with an Easter Celebration during Sunday’s afternoon finale. It’s the perfect mix of high-level baseball and fan-friendly atmosphere as the Smokies return home looking to make an early statement.

Listen to all Smokies games LIVE on the Smokies website: https://www.milb.com/knoxville/fans/audio-listen-live

Get tickets to your next Smokies game here: https://www.milb.com/knoxville/tickets/single-game-tickets