Brewers last-minute Opening Day notes: TV channels, starting lineup, Chourio injury

Just about one hour remains before the Milwaukee Brewers kick off the 2026 regular season with a must-see matinee against the Chicago White Sox.

From former teammates Jacob Misiorowski and Shane Smith each making their first Opening Day start after All-Star rookie seasons in 2025 to Jackson Chourio being a last-minute scratch due to a hand injury that he suffered during the World Baseball Classic, there are plenty of storylines as first pitch draws nearer. Here are three notes that Brewers fans should know before Miz kicks off the regular season.

Brewers announce which cable TV channels games will be available on in 2026 just hours before the regular season begins

Brewers fans have understandably been frustrated with the lack of clarity on which TV channels games will be available on in 2026. The Brewers underwent a major change to their broadcasting situation during the offseason, with MLB itself taking over the production duties for the 2026 season. While MLB and the Brewers have frequently promoted the streaming service that is available for $99.99 for the full season (or $19.99/month), both have been less clear about where cable users will be able to find games this year.

At long last, Brewers fans who watch games through a cable subscription have their answer. The following list details on which channel each cable provider will air Brewers games this year:

• DirecTV / DTV Stream: 670
• Fubo: Available
• Comcast / Xfinity: 1263
• Charter / Spectrum (IP National): 469
• AT&T U-verse: 1743
• Charter / Spectrum – Localized STB Systems · Charter Madison, Milwaukee DMAs: 319
• Charter / Spectrum – Localized STB Systems · Charter Duluth-Superior, Green Bay-Appleton, LaCrosse-Eau Claire, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Wausau-Rhinelander DMAs: 327
• Charter / Spectrum – Localized STB Systems · TWC Menominee Co MI, Green Bay-Appleton, Milwaukee DMAs: 308 / 1308
• Amherst Telephone Company: 16
• Celect Communications: 31 / 104
• Chippewa Valley Cable (Ntec / Nelson Telephone): 44
• Coon Valley Telecommunications: 32
• LaValle Telephone: 32
• Northeast Communications of Wisconsin (Nsight): 51
• Northwest Community Communications (Amery): 70
• Richland Grant Telephone Co: 32
• S & K TV Systems: 47
• TDS Telecom:
  242 – LaCrosse / Eau Claire DMA (Eau Claire & Menomonie)
  610 & 1610 – Madison DMA
  610 & 1610 – Milwaukee DMA
  1276 & 276 – Wausau DMA
  243 – TDSTV+
• Tech Com: 32
• Western Wisconsin Communication: 24
• Wood County Telephone Company (Solarus): 32

For more information on how to watch this year's games with a cable subscription, visit mlb.com/brewers/schedule/programming.

Brewers announce starting lineup with rare string of four consecutive left-handed batters

The last-minute Chourio injury threw a wrench into Pat Murphy's Opening Day lineup plans. The talented, young outfielder was likely set to leadoff for the Brewers this afternoon, but with him on the injured list to start the season, Murphy was forced to get creative. As a result, Milwaukee's lineup this afternoon looks a little different than the starting nines that Brewers fans are used to seeing.

At the top of the lineup, it appears Murphy has simply moved each of his hitters up one spot in the order to account for Chourio's absence. However, a rarity occurs during the middle part of the lineup. From Jake Bauers, who is filling in for Chourio in left field today, in the fifth spot to Garrett Mitchell in the eight hole, the Brewers are rolling out four consecutive left-handed batters in their order.

Pat Murphy noted in his press conference that this isn't something he does often. In fact, in a response to a question from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Curt Hogg, Murphy said that he hasn't had four-straight lefties in his lineup in either of his two years as the Brewers' manager.

With the right-handed Smith on the bump for the White Sox to start the day, who is much better against righties than lefties, the Brewers should have favorable matchups for at least the first turn through the order. However, the run of lefties could spell trouble in the later innings, especially if Will Venable calls upon one of his three left-handed relievers. In such an instance, expect a pinch-hit appearance for either Blake Perkins, Brandon Lockridge, or Luis Rengifo.

Brewers being especially cautious with Chourio amid untimely hand injury

Chourio's hand injury was certainly poorly timed, but the Brewers are making the correct decision by exercising caution with their star outfielder. As announced by Murphy, Matt Arnold, and Mark Attanasio during pre-game interviews today, Chourio has a hairline fracture in his hand that was revealed when the team performed an MRI earlier this week.

After being hit by a pitch in his hand during an exhibition game with Team Venezuela, Chourio did undergo X-rays, which didn't reveal any significant damage. However, on a check swing during the Brewers' exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, Chourio re-aggravated the injury, and that's when the MRI was scheduled.

The Brewers' owner noted that Chourio could play through the injury but risks worsening it to a far more consequential degree in doing so. As such, the Brewers are justifiably being extra cautious with Chourio, though fans shouldn't expect him to be out too long. Chourio could be closer to the lower end of the 2-4 week absence estimate depending on how he responds over the next few days.